Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents are a significant public safety concern worldwide, causing injury, loss of life, and extensive property damage. Understanding the common causes of car accidents is crucial for promoting road safety and reducing the number of collisions on our roads. While accidents can occur for various reasons, certain factors consistently contribute to their occurrence.
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Impaired Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Fatigue
- Weather Conditions
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
- Inexperienced Drivers
- Poor Road Conditions
- Mechanical Failures
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head during impact.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries that can result in memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and long-term disability.
- Back Injuries: Including herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Common fractures include arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones due to the force of the collision.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes sprains, strains, or torn ligaments that can limit mobility and cause significant discomfort.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding, which may not present immediate symptoms but require urgent medical care.
- Psychological Trauma: Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression following a serious accident.
what should you do after a car accident?
After a car accident, it is important to take certain steps to ensure your safety and protect your interests. Here are some common recommendations:
- Check for injuries: The first priority is to assess whether anyone involved in the accident is injured. If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately for medical assistance.
- Move to a safe area: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents or obstructions. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Contact the police: Call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. They can document the incident and provide an official report, which may be required for insurance claims.
- Exchange information: Collect contact, insurance, and vehicle details from all parties involved in the accident, including their names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance policy information.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation can assist with insurance claims.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
- Obtain witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to gather their contact information and statements. Their testimony may be valuable during the claims process.
- Avoid admitting fault: Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene, as this could impact the resolution of insurance claims. Stick to providing factual information when talking to the involved parties, police, or insurance providers.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel immediate pain or injury, it's advisable to seek a medical evaluation after a car accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Keep records: Maintain a file containing all relevant documents related to the accident, such as police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Consulting with legal and insurance professionals can provide further guidance tailored to your situation.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim?
These include:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Covering hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future treatments required.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost because of missed work, as well as reduced earning capacity for long-term or permanent injuries.
- Property Damage: Costs for restoring or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and chronic discomfort caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Including anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the trauma of the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the incapacity to participate in hobbies, activities, or daily routines you once enjoyed.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior, additional damages may be granted to penalize the at-fault party and prevent similar actions in the future.
Why Choose Bauer & Metro, P.C.
You can expect the following at Bauer & Metro, P.C:
- We will meet with you personally, and if you can't come to our offices, we will come to you
- We will deal with the insurance companies, and they will stop calling you
- We will help get your car repaired
- We will help you find medical treatment if you need it
- We will investigate the wreck, obtain a copy of the police report, and track down the person who caused the wreck
- We will obtain a complete copy of your medical records, lost wages, and other damages
- We will represent you based on a "contingent" fee, meaning that we only get paid when you do – no upfront fees are retainers needed.
Many clients who come to Bauer & Metro, P.C. have already done their best to deal with insurance companies but found it to be a waste of time. Rude insurance representatives and absurdly low settlement offers make it difficult without a lawyer.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Beaufort County Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the process of pursuing compensation. Our Beaufort County car accident attorney can guide you through every step of the legal process. We are dedicated to helping you secure the financial recovery you deserve while holding negligent parties accountable. Don’t delay—time limits for filing claims may apply. Call us today to schedule your consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Contact Bauer & Metro, P.C. today to get started with our Beaufort County car accident lawyer.