A single car crash can be caused by a hundred different reasons.
Driver fatigue can get in the way of a driver’s reaction time and keep them from turning the wheel just in time. Vehicle negligence can cause subtle changes in the engine that reduce performance. When you find yourself in a car crash a thousand possibilities can be found swirling in your mind, all to get to the root of the issue. Whether it’s a motorcycle accident attorney or a Tampa truck accident lawyer, it’s best to have a professional eye on your case. There’s a lot of important information to gather up and only so much time to do it.
Here’s what you should know about car crashes today, negligence or misconduct, and the importance of having an attorney studying your case.
Quick Facts About Personal Injury
The field of personal injury is a vast one. Your first order of business is to narrow down your search so you can reach the most accurate and helpful conclusion to your case. Believe it or not, you’re very unlikely to even see a courtroom — according to recent studies around 95% of personal injury cases are settled pre-trial. Today medical malpractice makes up a significant chunk of personal injury cases in the United States, sitting at 15% for the past few years. Truck accidents, car crashes, and motorcycle accidents also occupy a large space.
Drunk Driving And Distracted Driving
Some of the more obvious hazards on American roads include drunk and distracted driving. Drunk driving is defined by attempting to operate a vehicle while under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or over-the-counter medication (which can make a driver drowsy). Sometimes called a DUI or a DWI, a drunk driving charge is serious and can result in jail time. Distracted driving is another issue defined by attempting to multi-task while behind the wheel. This can include talking on the phone, texting, or changing the radio dial.
Vehicle Negligence Or Misconduct
Now for more subtle issues. Vehicle negligence or misconduct can be all but invisible…but the aftermath can affect hundreds of people. Every year three million people will be injured from car accidents on American roads, with auto and motorcycle accidents causing 35% of new spinal cord injuries. Vehicle negligence is a hidden issue that can seriously reduce a car’s performance and is estimated to cost the country billions in damages annually. Misconduct is similar, but with more malicious intent.
Driver Fatigue And Overloaded Trucks
Alongside negligence or misconduct you can also consider the impact of driver fatigue. This is an unfortunately common issue caused by too much stress and lack of sleep. A study conducted back in 2016 found over 475,000 crashes involving large trucks. While truck drivers are not unique to the issue of driver’s fatigue, long hours and strict schedules can be a contributor. This can then extend to other areas of the experience, such as attempting to cut down on driving time by overloading trucks to maximum capacity.
Important Questions To Ask Your Attorney
Although your mind might be focused on medical bills or getting back to work, it’s important to sit down with an attorney and hash out your options. A properly filed personal injury case increases your chances of obtaining workers’ compensation or a similar form of financial support that can help you recover. It’s also possible a third-party could pay a fee or see jail time, reducing the probability of similar issues happening again. The only way to know for sure is to find the right attorney for your case and ask them questions regarding insurance, time frames, and fees. It’ll take time, but going solo just invites an uncertain outcome.
The legal system is a complex one. So is your case. Simplify things with an attorney by your side.