Motor Vehicle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicular accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States for people under age 33. Each year thousands of Americans lose their lives in traffic accidents. The physical, emotional, and financial costs of these accidents are enormous. The NHTSA estimates that highway collisions cost the nation approximately $230 billion a year.

This economic toll, however, does not even begin to describe the physical and emotional cost to someone seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident or to the family that loses a loved one in a fatal crash.

Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are many reasons why motor vehicle accidents occur. The most common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Speeding – Speeding not only increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident but has the tendency to make the crash more severe.
  • Distracted Drivers – Between 20-50% of all motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. are caused by driver distraction. Some examples of distractions include, talking on the cell phone, looking at scenery, other passengers, adjusting the radio or CD player, reading, etc.
  • Reckless and aggressive drivers – Tailgating, failure to yield, disregarding traffic signals and signs, changing lanes in an unsafe manner are all signs of a reckless driver.
  • Driver Fatigue – Tired or drowsy drivers account for a large majority of motor vehicle accidents. The risk is greatest between 11pm to 8am.
  • Drunk Drivers – A serious personal injury or wrongful death resulting from a negligent motor vehicle accident is all the more devastating when the reckless or careless actions of the driver are compounded by the irresponsible consumption of alcohol. Hundreds of people die each year in drunk driving accidents, leaving families devastated and struggling to cope.
  • Weather – Snow, hail, ice, rain, and high winds can make driving a motor vehicle more difficult.
  • Unsafe road conditions – Freeway or highway defects, pot holes and other hazardous road conditions can contribute to motor vehicle accidents.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are several types of motor vehicle accidents but the most common include:

  • Car Accident – Car accident victims are often left with significant financial burdens caused by injury and/or property damage. When negligence is a factor victims may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
  • Truck (Tractor Trailer) Accident – a collision involving a semi-truck or other large truck can have life–altering consequences. Because of their inherent blind spots, complicated braking systems, awkward weight distribution, and high centers of gravity, big trucks are prone to losing control. As a result, truck drivers are closely regulated and obligated to adhere to federal guidelines regarding their driving times and distances, as well as weight allowances.
  • School Bus Accident – School bus drivers must abide by all transportation laws meant to ensure public safety which includes laws that prohibit speeding, driving under the influence. If an accident occurs due to negligence on the part of the school bus driver then a lawsuit may be filed by the injured parties involved.
  • Motorcycle Accident – Motorcycle riders are extremely vulnerable to injury in a roadway collision. Victims often are left with serious orthopedic or head injuries, even if they were wearing protective equipment.
  • All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Accident – ATV accidents can occur for a variety of reasons such as driver negligence, collision with another vehicle or a manufacturing defect (e.g. broken throttle).
  • Subway or Trolley Accident – Subways and trolleys are a relatively inexpensive and safe way to commute, however accidents do occur. Both trolley and subway operators can be held responsible if an accident occurs due to negligence. They have a responsibility to keep their passengers safe.
  • Vehicle Rollover Accidents – Vehicle rollover accidents occur regularly on the roadways and can have serious consequences. Rollovers cause more deaths than any other type of motor vehicle accident. Of all vehicles, SUV’s have the highest rollover rate.
  • Train Accident – Every 90 minutes there is a train derailment or collision killing over 1,000 people every year. Whether you’re a passenger or a railroad employee you may be able to file a claim if you were injured.

Injuries Sustained from Motor Vehicle Accidents

With so much time on the road, motor vehicle accidents seem inevitable. We pass fender-benders every day on our freeways and suburban streets. Although some crashes prove minor, many motor vehicle collisions result in serious injuries and even fatalities. Some common injuries that occur from motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Brain Injury
  • Head and neck injury
  • Broken bones
  • Head Injury
  • Paralysis
  • Quadriplegia
  • Paraplegia
  • Concussion
  • Death

Filing a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit

Bodily injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. Often, the injured victim faces difficult rehabilitation, costly medical treatment, and the possibility of a life-changing physical disability. If the motor vehicle accident was the fault of another driver, the victim or their family may have the right to file a motor vehicle accident lawsuit against the negligent party for damages.

Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

If you are considering filing a lawsuit, it’s important to seek an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney who is familiar with your states laws.

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