Car accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of thirty-four. Annually, car accidents are responsible for over 40,000 deaths. Frighteningly, these statistics indicate that you are likely to be involved in at least one car accident in your lifetime.
Causes of accidents
Many factors result in car accidents, and sometimes multiple causes contribute to a single accident. The most common factors leading to a car accident include:
· Driver distraction (cell phone use, eating or grooming in the car, dealing with children or pets in the car, attempting to pick up dropped items, etc.)
· driver impairment by fatigue, illness, alcohol or drugs
· Mechanical failure (blown tires, brake failure, axle failure, steering mechanism failure, etc.)
· Road conditions (foreign obstacles or substances on the road surface; rain, ice or snow making the roads wet or slick; road damage including pot holes, etc.)
· Speed exceeding safe conditions, such as the speed for which the road was designed, the road condition, the weather, the speed of surrounding motorists, etc.
Types of accidents
The severity of the car accident depends on the type of accident sustained. The most common types of car accidents are:
· Rear-end collisions
· Side collisions
· Rollovers
· Head-on collisions
· Single-car accidents
· Pile-ups
Collisions can occur with other cars, other vehicles such as bicycles or trucks, with pedestrians, and with stationary structures or objects, such as trees, guardrails or road signs.
Recoverable Damages
Car accidents are the most popular cause of personal injury claims, and whether you were the driver or passenger in a car accident, or even if you are a pedestrian involved in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering and injury caused by a car accident that was not your fault.
Some of the claims that you may be able to make include:
· Claims against an uninsured driver
· Claims for medical expenses caused by a car accident
· Claims for pain and suffering caused by a car accident
· Claims for lost wages
· Claims for damage to vehicle
· Claims for pedestrians involved in car accidents
It is important to seek assistance and advice from a qualified and experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. You may be limited for time when it comes to claiming compensation, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Dealing with the consequences of a car accident can be a serious burden. Besides dealing with the pain and suffering caused by your accident, you will have to deal with the everyday stresses of life, such as returning to work, paying bills and repairing or replacing your vehicle. You also may spend considerable time dealing with insurance companies and medical providers.
A skilled car accident law firm can navigate this legal maze with you. Securing the representation of an experienced car accident attorney can speed up the claims process and help you receive a larger settlement. Hiring competent and compassionate legal representation may be your best chance to resume your life as it was prior to your car accident, and move on to a better future.
