Car accidents have been on the rise in recent years. A study revealed a 24 percent increase in reported car accident cases. One of the leading causes of car accidents is first-time car buyers using their cell phones while driving. The significant rise in the frequency of car accidents has also led to an increase in the number of personal injury claims filed. A personal injury claim can be pursued in the aftermath of an accident if a person has suffered an injury in such an accident. Laws can vary from state to state and country to country.
For an individual or accident injury victim to be eligible for compensation paid in ‘damages’, the individual must prove before the court that the injury that they have sustained in the accident is connected to the negligence or wrongdoing of the other party.
While personal injury cases seek to establish the at-fault party and bring them to pay the plaintiff for the damages that they have caused in the form of physical, mental, and/or emotional injury, there is a need to better understand some of the leading causes of car accidents. This is especially important to know in case of wrongful death as a result of a car accident, so that you and your lawyer can approach your case on behalf of your deceased loved one from the correct angle.
Below are some of the common causes of car accidents that may put other road users in harm’s way.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the United States. It could result from smartphones or other electronic devices used by the driver while operating the vehicle. Chances are that such a person may lose focus and crash into someone, an oncoming vehicle, or another vehicle in front. In a lot of cases, it is caused due by DUI (Driving Under the Influence). So, if you have become a victim of such a scenario, hiring a DUI lawyer becomes necessary.
Distracted driving is a serious offense in most states and can lead to serious fatalities. Besides operating smartphones, distracted driving includes getting lost in thought, operating stereos, reaching for fallen objects while in motion, applying makeup, and more.
2. Bad Weather
Bad weather conditions are a danger to road users. During bad weather conditions, road users may suffer low visibility which may cause accidents. In some cases, a mix of bad weather and speed may produce a fatal cocktail which may lead to severe injuries and in some cases, death. During bad weather conditions, drivers should maintain a low speed and remain vigilant.
3. Speeding
Being in a hurry to get to your destination may push you into speeding. In other cases, others step on the gas for fun and the thrill. Whatever the reason, speeding puts both the driver and other road users at a disadvantage and may lead to fatal accidents. If that doesn’t make you think twice, you can also get points for speeding that will stay on your record for a long time, so watch out.
A driver who is speeding may find it hard to slow down thus causing them to ram into the rear part of a car in front or cause a fatal accident at intersections. Such accidents may result in potentially permanent injuries like spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), broken limbs, and more. It is even possible for death to occur as a result of a car crash at speed, and if this happens the victim’s family may choose to hire a lawyer dedicated to handling accidental death claims to sue for compensation in the aftermath of the accident.
4. Drunk Driving
Drunk driving has deadly consequences both for drunk drivers and other road users. And, drunk driving can lead to multiple fatalities and death. The driver is in a state where they are incapable of thinking straight. When a person gets hit by a drunk driver, chances are that person may sustain fatal injuries. Injuries and death are also potential aggravations in a drunk driving or DUI case.
If you suffered temporary or permanent injuries from these common road accidents, work with a personal injury attorney to identify the at-fault party and file a personal injury claim against them.
While working on your personal injury claim, there are some errors you need to avoid to ensure that you remain eligible for the full compensation you deserve. And, if you are faced with a DUI, you need an attorney experienced with your type of case. You don’t have to go this alone, regardless of which side of the situation you find yourself on. Having professionals such as Detroit car accident lawyers on your side to support you and help through this difficult time can make all the difference.
Below Are Some Of The Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Car Accident Lawsuit.
I. Discussing Your Injury Case With Just Anyone
To be on the safe side, you cannot trust anyone aside from your attorney with the details of your injury case. As recommended, keep information about the case personally private. Keeping this information to yourself will protect you from accidentally making statements that may compromise the entirety of your claim. If you have a traffic ticket, don’t try to deal with it alone.
II. Posting On Social Media
Social media allows several kinds of people to hide under the cloak of anonymity. Putting details of your personal injury claim on social media exposes you to further investigation from insurance companies and insurance adjusters. You want to keep your social media activity as limited as possible during this time. And, until you have been awarded the compensation due to you.
III. Ignoring Medical Appointment And Advice
While your injury is the basis for filing a claim, you may complicate your case further if you fail to get with the treatment plan created for you. Or, if you fail to listen to your primary healthcare provider.
