Car accidents can leave the victims or their families with serious injuries and considerable financial losses. Some accidents can even be fatal.
An automobile or traffic collision occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, an animal, or another moving or motionless item.
Many safety advocates are campaigning to change the term car accident to a motor vehicle crash. Some argue that using the word crash is more accurate and helps to highlight the role of driver negligence.
Definition of a Car Accident
Car accidents can be devastating for victims and their loved ones. They can cause physical pain, loss of income due to taking time off work, and expensive medical bills. A car accident may also cause property damage, resulting in high insurance premiums for those involved.
But when we talk about crashes, it implies that someone’s negligence caused the collision, and that person could be held liable for any injuries and damages resulting from the collision. This is significant because it enables victims to sue the at-fault driver for personal injuries. Car crash victims should gather any bills, repair estimates, or receipts they have incurred due to the collision to support their case.
Causes of Car Accidents
Several factors can cause car accidents. They might happen because drivers disobey traffic rules or exercise reasonable care. They might also be due to a defective auto part or road conditions.
Serious injuries can be sustained by persons engaged in even little accidents. A person can pass away or be left with lifelong medical needs and permanent disability. A person might be left with permanent disabilities or death and need a lifetime of medical care.
The cause of a car accident could be an intentional act by the person driving, such as talking on a phone or adjusting the radio while driving. It could also be unintentional, such as speeding or swerving to avoid a pedestrian.
Many states have laws on the books that punish drivers who commit acts of negligence, including recklessness or illegal racing. They might face civil penalties, such as paying damages to someone injured by their actions.
Getting Help After a Car Accident
Car accident victims often rely on their doctors to assess the extent of their injuries and recommend treatment. Seeing a medical professional as soon as possible can help prevent symptoms from worsening and provide documentation of the extent of your injury for use in a financial recovery claim.
It is also essential to talk to the police at the accident scene. This will create an official police report, which is helpful for insurance purposes and legal action assisted by a car accident attorney at a later date.
If you can safely do so, take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles. This can help document evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and injuries. Taking pictures of the surrounding area, including traffic signs and pedestrians, is also a good idea. If you cannot take the pictures, ask a witness or a family member to do so. This can help with future claims for damages related to medical expenses and property damage.
Damages Caused by Car Accidents
A car collision could result in severe injuries, monetary losses, and higher insurance costs. It is essential to understand how car accident damages are calculated so you can be adequately compensated for your loss.
The injured party’s damages are typically covered by the driver who caused the collision. They must have breached their duty of care to you for you to seek compensation. This duty of care entails a need to drive sensibly and safely.
It is typical for someone hurt in a car accident not to be fully aware of the severity of their injuries at the time of the event. Therefore, going to the doctor as soon as possible after a crash and having a physical exam is essential. This will help ensure that any underlying injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, are diagnosed and treated promptly. These injuries may affect a person’s life for a very long time.
