Car accidents have been on the rise in recent years. A study revealed as high as a 24 percent increase in reported car accident cases between 2014 and 2016. One of the leading causes of car accidents are first time car buyers who use 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 state to state and country to country. For our readers up north, check with a personal injury lawyer in Canada.
For such an individual or accident injury victim to be eligible for compensation paid in ‘damages’, the individual must be able to prove before the court that the injury which 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 which 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 a wrongful death as result of a car accident, so that you and your lawyer dedicated to handling accidental death claims 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 the use of smartphones or other electronic devices 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 to DUI (Driving Under Influence). So, if you have become a victim of such a scenario, hiring a DUI lawyer becomes necessary. Want to know how a DUI attorney can help you? Follow this url and find out how they can help you.
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 may be, 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 as this may result in potentially permanent injuries like spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), broken limbs and more.
4. Drunk Driving
Drunk driving holds 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 has been hit by a drunk driver, chances are that such a person may sustain fatal injuries. Injuries and death are also potential aggravations in a drunk driving or DUI case.
If you have suffered injuries, whether temporary or permanent, as a result of any of these common road accidents, there is a need to 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 deserved. 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 get 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 which you are 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.
