5 Car Accident Facts That May Shock You

We are all aware and understand that a car accident could occur anytime for any reason. However, we also tend to believe that “it can’t happen to me.” This is a natural way for the human mind to accept risk and give us confidence. Unfortunately, the truth is we cannot control the actions of other drivers, and the only thing left for us is to pay more attention. Here are 5 car accident facts that may shock you!

1. Car Accidents Are the #1 Cause of Death for Teens

Vehicle crashes kill more Americans between 16 and 19 than any other cause (according to CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). While the lack of experience is surely a factor, teens tend to mix alcohol (or drugs) and texting while driving. We advise all parents to teach their driving kids the dangers of drunk and distracted driving.

2. More Than 120 People Die in a Car Crash Every Day

We all see accident reports on the local news, but it’s easy to forget that traffic deaths are a constant reality. Car accidents kill more people than cancer and heart diseases together. As one of the biggest and most populated states, Texas and California take the lead in the number of deaths per state.

3. Missing JUST 2 Hours of Sleep Doubles the Risk of a Car Crash

Lack of sleep is no joke and a study funded by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that missing just a few hours doubles the chance of a car crash. The same study shows that less than 4 hours of sleep per night increases the chances of crashing 11.5 times.

4. Drunk Drivers Kill One American Every 50 Minutes

Drunk driving accidents kill 29 people each day, and while there is a much greater public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving than there was a few decades ago, we’ve still got a long way to go.

5. Car Crashes Cost Nearly $1 Trillion Each Year

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a study’s results in 2014 that showed that each year, car accidents are causing $871 billion in economics in the US. This includes the following costs:

• Loss of life

• Lost wages

• Property damage

• Medical bills

• Costs to government agencies

• And more…

Find an Auto Accident Injury Attorney Today

Car accidents are not just statistics. Car crashes are reoccurring events and we should all be more responsible to avoid these. The fatal ones are devastating enough, but some emotionally, physically, and financially suffer. If you find yourself in a car crash, always contact a professional attorney who can help you with a successful injury claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do Immediately After an Auto Accident?

Your first and foremost action following an accident is to stay calm, check if you or anyone else involved has been injured, and call the police. Get the name and contact information of all parties involved in the accident as well as any witnesses of the event. To document the damage, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. It’s important not to admit liability until you hire an attorney because they will conduct a thorough investigation to establish the driver at fault.

Should I Seek Medical Treatment After an Auto Accident, even if I feel fine?

Right after a car accident, you may feel fine, but injuries can surface days, weeks, and even months later. That’s why it’s good to see a doctor even if you don’t believe you were injured in the accident. Your doctor can recognize issues or injuries that won’t immediately become apparent to you and alert you to warning signs of injuries that may arise due to the accident. If you fail to treat your injuries within a certain period of time, you may forfeit your right to get reimbursement for future medical costs. The general rule is not to settle auto accident claims without having been examined by a medical professional.

Do I have to go to court if I decide to file an Auto Injury Claim?

In most cases, you won’t have to go to court. The majority of auto accident claims are resolved outside of court after negotiating the terms with the insurer. Most insurance companies generally try to settle claims as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible, so it’s wise to have an attorney negotiate on your behalf.

What information is necessary when filing Auto Accident Claims?

In addition to taking pictures of the accident scene and taking the contact information of the involved parties and witnesses, your detailed explanation of how the accident happened is also necessary to file a claim. Law enforcement reports of the accident will also serve as crucial evidence in your claim.

What if the Auto Accident was partly my fault?

Many factors determine the driver at fault in an auto accident case. Do not accept any part of the blame until the investigation has concluded. Even if the investigation finds that you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled to receive compensation. There are cases when the victim also shares part of the blame for an accident. If, for example, you were driving five to ten mph over the speed limit when the accident happened, this would have limited your reaction time, and you could likely be considered a negligent driver even if you weren’t the one to cause the crash. Different states have different ways of settling auto accident claims where more than one driver is at fault. So it’s best to check the specific laws in your state (or the state where the accident took place) or discuss the matter with your auto accident injury lawyer.

What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have Insurance, or I’m the victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident?

It happens surprisingly often that people get into an auto accident where the driver at fault doesn’t have insurance. In these situations, it’s wise to have an auto insurance policy that comes with Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. That way, if you get into an accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you will still be able to file your claim under the UM coverage you have with your own insurance company. Your insurer will then process the claim following the same process as it would for an opposing insurer. The only difference is that the claim will be against your UM coverage and not against another driver. Likewise, if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident where the responsible driver fled the scene before you could take their information, you can again seek compensation from your UM coverage.

What type of damages could I be entitled to in an Auto Accident Case?

Suppose you suffered injuries after an auto accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. In that case, there are two main types of damages that you may seek compensation for: compensatory (a.k.a. monetary) and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are the most common type of damages in a personal injury claim, and they often include: ● Current and future medical bills ● Property damage ● Emotional duress ● Lost wages ● Loss of enjoyment of life ● Loss of future earnings potential On the other hand, punitive damages are much rarer, but they can occur in situations where the vehicle manufacturer is to blame.