Vehicle accidents are a terrifying and unfortunate reality on U.S. roads. Take precautions. Each year, thousands of lives tragically end, and countless others suffer injuries in vehicle accidents.
These accidents can occur due to distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and driving inappropriately for the weather. Understanding the prevalence and causes of these accidents can help us better understand the risks and work towards preventing them.
After a vehicle accident, legal assistance will safeguard your rights and help secure the compensation you deserve. Contact an attorney near you to navigate the legal process during this challenging time.
The Rise of Motor Vehicle Ownership
With advancements in technology and an increase in population, the number of cars and trucks on U.S. roads has steadily risen. As of last year, the country contained over 287 million registered vehicles.
The rise of motor vehicle ownership in the U.S. has led to both positive and negative consequences.
On one hand, it has provided convenient transportation options for individuals and businesses. On the other hand, it has also resulted in more accidents and fatalities.
As more vehicles populate the streets, the risk of collisions and accidents naturally increases.
Statistics for Car Crashes Across the U.S.
According to reports, approximately 6.7 million car crashes happened in the U.S. in one recent year. Tragically, these accidents resulted in over 38,000 fatalities and more than 2.7 million injuries.
When examining the causes of car crashes, it becomes evident that driver behaviors play a significant role. In fact, around 94 percent of accidents can be attributed to human error, such as distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving.
These statistics demonstrate the importance of responsible driving practices and the need for increased awareness and education to prevent accidents. We should also ensure dangerous drivers are held accountable for the harm they cause.
Certain demographic factors can contribute to the likelihood of a car crash. Young drivers, particularly those ages16 to 20, have the highest crash rates, while drivers over the age of 65 are more susceptible to fatal accidents.
The statistics surrounding car crashes across the United States are a sobering reminder of the urgency to address this issue. After a crash, the law protects you and provides important rights.
Most Common Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur in various ways, but some types are more common than others. Sadly, we must remember that a car accident can affect anybody.
The most common types of car accidents include:
Rear-End Collisions
These occur when one vehicle strikes the rear of another. They often happen due to tailgating or distracted driving.
T-Bone Accidents
Also known as side-impact collisions, these accidents happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. Intersections are common locations for T-bone accidents.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
These accidents involve only one vehicle and road hazards, defective vehicles, and other drivers running a car off the road can cause them.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact with each other's sides. It often results from improper lane changes or merging.
Head-On Collisions
This type of accident happens when two vehicles crash into each other's front ends. Head-on collisions are often severe and can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Typical Causes of Most Accidents
Understanding and addressing the most common causes of car accidents can play a key role in preventing future incidents. Some of the typical causes of most accidents include:
Distracted Driving
One leading cause of accidents is distracted driving, which includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technologies while operating a vehicle.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of accidents.
Drunk Driving
Consuming alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
Reckless Driving
Engaging in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running red lights can lead to accidents.
Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
While drivers must take appropriate measures to prevent accidents, you cannot allow for others' behavior. Unfortunately, negligent drivers exist in all forms of vehicles.
What to Do After an Accident
Seek Medical Attention
Make your health and safety the priority. Even if you feel fine, have a medical professional assess your condition for any underlying injuries.
Contact the Authorities
Call the police to report the accident. A police report can document important information for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible or have your car accident lawyer do so for you. Provide them with basic information about the incident but never go into detail at this stage of the process.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
After a vehicle accident, consult an experienced car accident lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation for your damages.
Insurance offers may not always consider the full extent of your injuries or future damages, such as ongoing medical treatments, post-traumatic stress, and lost income. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and work toward a fair settlement.
Truck Accident Types
Passenger cars are not the only vehicles involved in crashes. Truck collisions, including motor coaches and buses, have seen huge increases in license registrations.
Truck accident statistics can shed light on the risks associated with these vehicles. The most common types of truck accidents include:
Rear-End Collisions
Like car accidents, rear-end collisions involving trucks can occur due to tailgating or distracted driving.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident happens when a truck trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often occurs due to sudden braking or improper cargo distribution.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. Speeding, sharp turns, or unstable cargo cause these crashes.
Because of their extra mass, truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. A heavy vehicle's braking distance is much higher than a car's.
A truck accident lawyer can protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Possible Monetary Damages After an Accident
When seeking compensation after a car accident, understanding the various damages you can claim will increase your chances of a worthy settlement. Tort law is the process used to seek compensation for losses caused to another person.
The damages car accident victims can win include:
Economic Damages
These damages compensate for financial losses, including medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings, and future medical costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages seek to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in cases of exceptionally negligent driving or intentional.
Wrongful Death Damages
In cases where a car accident results in the loss of a loved one, victims' loved ones might claim wrongful death damages. These damages compensate for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Each state has specific laws regarding damages in car accident cases. A car accident attorney can explain what to expect from the legal process.
Injuries Can Be Life-Changing and Expensive
Car accidents can result in severe injuries that have long-term impacts on the victims.
Some injuries commonly associated with accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs result from head trauma and can have a range of effects, from a few weeks of cognitive challenges to permanent brain damage and disabilities. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis or loss of motor function below the site of the injury. These injuries may require ongoing medical care, assistive devices, and modifications to living spaces.
Fractures
Accidents can lead to fractures in various body parts, including the arms, legs, and ribs. Fractures may require surgeries, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash, sprains, and strains are common soft tissue injuries resulting from car accidents.
A car accident lawyer can pursue the maximum settlement based on the laws in your state, ensuring you receive the compensation necessary for your recovery and peace of mind.
Making The Right Choice After Your Accident
Insurance companies are motivated to save money, which can result in lowball offers or attempts to dismiss your claim. Some common techniques used by insurance companies include:
Delaying Tactics
Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process, hoping you will accept a lesser settlement out of frustration or desperation.
Lowball Offers
Insurers might offer a settlement that does not adequately compensate for your damages, hoping you will accept it without fully understanding your rights.
Denial of Liability
Insurance companies may dispute liability or place shared blame on you, reducing the compensation you deserve.
Pressure Tactics
Insurers may use aggressive tactics to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement, often before you fully understand your injuries and long-term damages.
Working with an experienced car accident attorney can help level the playing field against insurance companies. They will negotiate on your behalf, seeking a fair settlement that considers all your present and future damages.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been in a vehicle accident, acting quickly and seeking legal guidance is important. Consulting a car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. They can provide valuable guidance and handle the legal issues involved, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Car accident lawyers often work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for you. Money should not be a barrier to seeking justice and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact a car accident attorney near you today to ensure your rights are covered and your voice is heard during this challenging time.
Consult Your Car Accident Lawyer Now
Don't let the legal system overwhelm you.
After a vehicle accident, an attorney will support you while protecting your rights.
An experienced car accident lawyer can handle your case professionally and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact a car accident attorney near you today to discuss your case and take the first step toward obtaining justice and the financial security you deserve.
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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