Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. Every year, thousands of people are killed and hundreds of thousands are injured in car accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is important to know your rights and what you can do to protect yourself. This article will provide an overview of everything victims should know about car accidents.
Types of Car Accidents
There are many different types of car accidents. The most common type of car accident is a rear-end collision. This is when one car hits the back of another car. Rear-end collisions often occur when one car is stopped or slowing down and the other car is not paying attention and rear-ends the first car. Rear-end collisions can also occur when one car is backing up and the other car hits it.
Another common type of car accident is a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are often very serious because of the amount of force that is involved. They can often result in death or serious injury.
Side-impact collisions are another type of car accident. This is when the side of one car is hit by the front or back of another car. Side-impact collisions are often very serious because they can crush the side of a car.
Rollover accidents are another type of car accident. This is when a car flips over onto its side or roof. Rollover accidents are often very serious because they can cause the occupants of the car to be ejected from the car.
Causes of Car Accidents
There are many different causes of car accidents. The most common cause of car accidents is human error. This includes things like speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and fatigued driving.
Another common cause of car accidents is a mechanical errors. This includes things like bald tires, defective brakes, and defective steering.
Weather can also be a factor in car accidents. This includes things like slick roads from rain or snow and low visibility from fog or dust.
Car accidents can also be caused by animals. This includes things like deer running into the road or birds flying into the windshield.
Finally, car accidents can be caused by road conditions. This includes things like potholes, debris in the road, and ice on the road.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, there are several things you should do. The first thing you should do is stop your car and turn off the engine. Then, you should check yourself and your passengers for injuries. You should always call 911, despite the severity of the accident. Doing this ensures that a police report is created. If the incident happens in Missouri, you can later look for the MSHP accident report online by entering some of the accident’s basic information, such as date, ZIP code, and the car’s VIN. This document can be helpful in case you need to file an insurance claim.
Next, you should move your car to the side of the road, if possible. Then, you should turn on your hazard lights.
Once you have done all of this, you should exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, address, phone number, insurance company, and insurance policy number. You should also get the other driver’s information.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should get their names, address, and phone number.
Finally, you should call your insurance company and report the accident.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Car Accident
If you are injured in a car accident, there are several things you should do. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still see a doctor. This is because some injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
Next, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, click here for professional personal injury lawyer advice. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the legal process and will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
Finally, you should keep track of all of your medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation. You should also keep track of any lost wages from being unable to work. All of this documentation will be important if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is important to know your rights and what you can do to protect yourself. This article has provided an overview of everything victims should know about car accidents.
Avoid Accepting the Insurance Company’s Initial Offer
After a car accident, the insurance company will likely contact you and offer you a settlement. It is important to avoid accepting the insurance company’s initial offer. This is because the insurance company’s goal is to settle the claim for as little as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to negotiate with the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is a decision that should not be made lightly. You should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
Contingency Fee Agreement
If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, you will likely do so on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will only owe the lawyer a fee if he or she is successful in getting you compensation. The lawyer will typically take a percentage of the settlement or verdict as his or her fee.
Statute of Limitations
It is important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you will be barred from recovery. In most states, the statute of limitations for a car accident is two years. However, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine the deadline in your state.
What to Expect in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, there are a few things you should know. The first thing you should know is that the lawsuit will be filed in civil court. This means that the case will be decided by a judge or jury. The burden of proof will be on you to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
The second thing you should know is that the process can be lengthy. It is not uncommon for a personal injury lawsuit to take two years or more to resolve.
Finally, you should know that you may have to give a deposition. A deposition is a sworn statement given under oath. The other side will have the opportunity to question you about the accident.
This article has provided an overview of everything victims should know about car accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
