Car Accidents

Whether the accident is related to mechanical failure, poor road or weather conditions, or another driver’s recklessness behind the wheel, the consequences can have a lifelong impact...if the victim is fortunate enough to survive.

Statistics You Should Know:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that every 10 seconds, someone in the United States is involved in a car accident.
• Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among people 6 to 27 years of age.
• More than 50 percent of all fatal accidents occur on roads or highways with speeds of 55 miles per hour or more.
• Alcohol consumption plays a deadly role in more than one-third of all fatal automobile accidents.

• According to 2004 statistics reported by the World Health Organization, approximately 1.2 million people are killed each year in automobile accidents worldwide; an estimated 48 million are injured.

Understanding the Law

Car accident-related cases involve complex legal and insurance issues. If—and only if—one of the other drivers involved in the crash was negligent in operating a motor vehicle with “reasonable care,” you can receive compensation for losses, damage, and suffering.

Proving negligence, however, is never an easy task, despite the fact that experts believe that at least 90 percent of automobile accidents are caused by on-the-road carelessness.

Varying state laws can also complicate a case. About half of our nation’s states have “no-fault liability laws.”  Despite the fact that these laws make all parties involved in the accident responsible for their own damages, they can be challenged if there are serious injuries or excessive damages.

The remaining states have “at-fault liability laws,” which makes the responsible driver accountable for all damages.

Have You Been Involved in an Automobile Accident?

There are 10 crucial steps that you must take if you are involved in an automobile accident:

1. Stay at the accident scene unless you are compelled to leave for medical reasons.
2. Call the police.
3. Obtain the names, addresses, driver’s license, and automobile insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident.
4. Obtain contact information from all passengers and witnesses.
5. Record the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as all injuries and vehicle damage.
6. Write down the name(s) of the officer(s) who were called to the scene of the accident and filed the police report.
7. Observe whether or not any of the other drivers appeared to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
8. Pay careful attention to all conversations at the scene of the accident to determine if anyone admits that the accident was his or her fault. (Do not, however, admit that you are at fault.)
9. Contact your insurance company immediately. Some companies may deny coverage if accidents are not reported within a designated time period.
10. Seek medical attention if necessary, and maintain a file of all your medical records to verify your injuries.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Without competent legal representation, many automobile accident victims never receive full compensation for injury and/or damages because they are unaware of the full value of their claims.

A qualified attorney can advise you of statutes of limitations—which apply in all automobile accident cases—in your demographic area, help you build a solid legal case, and recover damages for your losses and suffering.

A personal injury attorney with experience in this area of expertise can also protect your rights if you are held responsible for the accident.

To find a personal injury lawyer in your community with experience in handling car accidents, please enter your city's name in the grey search box at the top of this page.