Car accidents are common, and thousands of motorists are involved in car crashes each year. Becoming the victim of a car crash may seem unavoidable, but practicing safe driving habits can minimize your chances of causing a car accident. Because we can’t control what other drivers decide to do when they get behind the wheel, understanding what steps to take if you’re in a car crash can help you protect your right to pursue compensation. Following a car crash, you may feel stressed and have to deal with concerns such as the cost of repairing your vehicle or treating injuries you’ve sustained. Our experienced auto accident lawyers can help you navigate the tricky legal process and deal with insurance providers who are only looking to make a profit. Seek the advice of a car accident attorney to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you need to cover the cost of your injuries or damage to your vehicle.
What Are Some Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Several factors may contribute to a motor vehicle collision. The most common reason for an auto accident is driver error or reckless behavior. Injured victims of car accidents involving negligent drivers have a right to seek compensation for their losses and injuries. Here are some of the most common causes of car crashes:
Distracted driving
One of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes is driver inattention. When a cell phone or other passengers distract a driver, they risk the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. Driving while distracted can cause a serious crash that results in injuries or even fatalities.Drowsy or fatigued driving
When a driver gets behind the wheel and is experiencing fatigue or drowsiness, they risk causing an accident. A drowsy or fatigued driver faces visual, motor, and cognitive impairments that often lead to slower reactions and confused decision-making, contributing to a crash.Drunk driving
Consuming alcohol or taking drugs before driving is illegal. Whether the drugs you consume are illegal or an over-the-counter prescription, having your senses dulled in any way will present a concern when you decide to get behind the wheel. You risk causing a major collision if you choose to drive, knowing that your coordination, judgment, or motor skills are impaired.Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit is dangerous, and you put the lives of other drivers at risk whenever you decide to speed. A driver who speeds down highways or city streets does not have enough time to react to changing road conditions, especially when it’s raining, snowing, or there’s ice on the ground. Accidents involving driving at excessive speeds often lead to high-impact crashes that result in catastrophic consequences.What You Should Do After a Car Crash
Car accidents can be stressful, which is why it is so important to know what to do in the aftermath of being involved in a motor vehicle collision. The first thing you should do after a car accident is to seek medical treatment and call local authorities. When the responding officer shows up at the accident scene, they will create a police report that will serve as an essential piece of evidence in your case. Next, collect the contact and insurance information from any other drivers involved in the accident. You should also collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. Taking pictures of the accident, including any damage your vehicle has sustained, is a great way to build your case. Take pictures of your injuries. Seek medical treatment promptly, and be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment or physical therapy. Not only will receiving proper treatment allow you to recover faster but obtaining records of your doctor’s visits, cost of surgical procedures, and prescription medication, can add valuable support to your claim. An insurance adjuster will typically contact you after the accident. Refrain from speaking with an adjuster or anyone else from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Instead, put your trust in a car accident attorney who has experience negotiating claims with insurance adjusters.What are some common types of injuries that result from a car accident?
Several injuries can result from car collisions, the most common being:- Spinal cord injuries
- Superficial abrasions
- Fractured or broken bones
- Head or neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
What types of compensation can I hope to recover after a car accident?
Because every car accident is different, the amount and type of compensation you will receive in your claim will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Some examples of the types of compensation you can receive after filing a car accident claim are: Compensation for:- Existing medical costs
- Future health-care-related expenses
- Accommodations for temporary or permanent disability
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- General loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
- Emotional pain and suffering