Automobile Accidents

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 18,440 people traveling in automobiles were killed on our roadways and highways in 2005; 1, 573,000 more were injured in auto accidents.  Over half of all vehicles involved in traffic accidents were passenger cars. Of the 6,159,000 traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2005, 25,029 automobiles were involved in fatal traffic collisions; 1,893,000 cars were involved in accidents that included at least one injury.

Victims of auto collisions face an uncertain future.  The financial losses can be staggering, including medical expenses, property damage and income lost from time off work. Victims may suffer from emotional, psychological and mental issues as a result of a car crash. If you are a victim of an automobile accident, you deserve to be compensated for your losses by those who are responsible.

There are many factors that can cause a car accident. Some of the most common reasons car crashes occur are:

  • Excessive speed.
  • Driving while drowsy.
  • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI).
  • Driving while talking on a cell phone.
  • Driving while eating or drinking.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Driver talking to passengers.
  • Driver changing radio stations or CDs.
  • Negligence.
  • Faulty road design or construction.
  • Hazardous road conditions / Improper maintenance.

If the automobile accident was due to unsafe or improperly maintained roads, you may be able to recover damages from the government. If it can be proven that the local, state or federal government was negligent by “failing to warn”, resulting in the car wreck, and you suffered injuries as a result of their negligence, you have grounds to collect damages. Local governments have a responsibility to provide safe roads and to adequately point out any abnormalities such as pot holes or construction that is in progress. In these situations, it is extremely important that you document the scene and notify the appropriate government agency right away.

If another driver or person is responsible for your car accident, they can be held responsible for their actions, including the physical and financial injuries you have suffered.

If you have been injured in an automobile collision, make sure to do the following:

  • Stop. If you get in a car crash, you must stop. If you leave, you will be committing a crime knows as a "hit and run".
  • Call for help. If someone is injured, call 911. If not, your first call should be to the police. The police will advise as to whether the crashed vehicles should be moved out of traffic, and will take statements from the drivers and passengers involved.
  • Call your insurer. As soon as you are able, call and file an auto accident report. You should also notify the other driver's insurer of the car accident. 
  • Don't sign anything. If an insurance adjuster shows up at the scene, do not give any statements and do not sign anything.
  • Gather information. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone at the scene, especially witnesses.
  • Go see your doctor. You may have injuries of which you're unaware. If you are examined by a doctor, make sure you are specific in explaining how the automobile collision happened and any injuries and problems you sustained as a result.
  • Call an auto accident attorney. If you've been injured, you may want a car accident lawyer to make sure you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. 

Do not settle with an insurance company if you have been in an automobile accident! While insurance is designed to cover some of the costs of auto collision, it cannot address all of the financial losses a car accident can cause. The insurance company may try to offer you a settlement of much less compensation than you need or deserve. They may even deny your claim. Insurance is a business whose goal is to minimize costs, not look out for your best interests.

Consider hiring a car accident attorney who will understand your situation and has the knowledge and experience necessary to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Please review our state by state listing of auto accident lawyers and contact a car wreck attorney today.

For more information on car accidents, please visit our Automobile Accidents Frequently Asked Questions page.

< Back to types of motor vehicle accidents