Being issued a driver's license means acting responsibly on the road. Unfortunately, thousands of car accidents happen daily, many of which could be avoided. Contributing factors to many accidents include texting while driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Negligence while driving takes many forms
According to statistics, texting while driving was responsible for 15% of car accidents and cost $129 billion in 2017. Using a cell phone while driving contributes to many distracted driving accidents. The National Safety Council reports that the number of drivers using hand-held devices has steadily increased since 2012.
Three categories of distracted driving include cognitive, manual, and visual. Cognitive distraction occurs when the driver gets tired on a long drive or is distracted by an argument or conversation. Manual distraction could involve taking hands off the wheel to adjust clothing and hair, applying makeup, or replying to a text or phone call.
Visual distraction could include searching for a dropped item, watching an accident scene on the road, checking text messages, or reading road signs. Although some states have laws regarding texting while driving, texting remains a problem. A survey of high school students in 2019 indicated that 39% of the students had emailed or texted within 30 days.
Accidents can happen when motorists are cautious
Although many drivers are vigilant, accidents can still happen due to another driver's negligence. Here are the most common types of accidents.
Accidents involving multiple vehicles are usually the result of texting or talking on the phone, tailgating, driving while tired, changing controls on the instrument panel, and speeding.
Head-on crashes often cause serious injuries and fatalities. Airbags and seatbelts offer some protection. However, when cars are traveling at high speeds, these safety devices don't always protect against the impact.
Merging traffic accidents can be disastrous when a driver loses control and merges into oncoming traffic or barriers on the side of the road.
Rear-end accidents can be dangerous when another driver isn't paying attention to the traffic and can hit your vehicle at a high rate of speed.
T-bone collisions, also known as side impacts, can cause severe injuries since most car designs are incorporated to protect drivers from front and rear-end collisions. Side airbags aren't mandated, so drivers aren't always protected from a side impact.
Car accident settlements are calculated based on circumstances
According to Forbes, accident settlements are based on suffering, pain, emotional distress, and medical bills. Additional factors may include property damage and lost wages while the victim is recovering. Most states require the driver responsible for the accident to cover the victim's injuries. The responsible party's insurance company usually makes a settlement offer. If the offer isn't accepted, it could result in a lawsuit. For the lawsuit, you need a reputable Louisville car accident attorney.
Legal advice following a car accident is imperative
Medical bills and everyday expenses can mount up quickly if you've been involved in a car accident and missed work due to injuries. Time limits exist on personal injury claims, so moving swiftly to filing a claim is essential. Insurance companies often use tactics to keep from paying claims. Here are the most common tactics insurance companies use.
Insurance companies often don't return claimants' calls or use legal terms that are difficult to understand. Some agents call expressing empathy but are trying to get information to reduce a claim. Insurance companies that offer a quick settlement try to get injury victims to settle for less. If a claimant isn't able to work following an accident, some insurance companies will send an investigator out to keep track of their movements to determine if there is an injury.
If you've been in an accident, it's vital to file a police report and get the contact information of any witnesses. Photos of your vehicle and the accident scene will be helpful. You should always go to the emergency room to be checked out, even if you feel alright. Sometimes, injuries don't cause problems immediately following a car accident. You should never sign any documents or accept a settlement without talking to a car accident attorney.
The first step is to contact a Louisville car accident attorney. An attorney in Louisville can advise you of your rights and work to get you the settlement you deserve.