Car accidents happen daily and can cause serious injuries. Injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents are often the result of driver error or vehicle defects.
The most common motor vehicle accidents involve collisions between vehicles. However, several other types of car accidents occur as well. For this reason, anyone injured caused by a vehicle should consult an experienced JDB Law, PLLC attorney to discuss filing a claim.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a serious problem that can impair a driver’s ability to respond quickly and accurately to changes in the road environment or the actions of other drivers. It is also a significant cause of crashes, which can result in injuries or death to both the driver and other passengers. The traffic safety administration estimates that drowsy driving is responsible for 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths.
Drowsiness is a common reason for motor vehicle accidents, and it can be hard to tell whether someone has fallen asleep at the wheel. There is no specific code on crash reports for drowsy driving, so it may not be recorded at all. However, the crash scene might provide clues such as a driver’s attempt to slam on the brakes, jerking the steering wheel to stay awake, or veering off the road. Drowsy drivers often swerve into other lanes or off the road, and they may also hit pedestrians, animals, or other vehicles.
It’s important to get enough sleep before you drive, and most people need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. However, many things can interfere with getting enough restful sleep, including a new baby waking every couple of hours, long shifts at work or school, drinking alcohol, or taking medications with “may cause drowsiness” warnings. If you are feeling drowsy while you’re driving, pull over in a safe location to stretch and drink some water or caffeinated beverages. If you can’t drive safely, ask a friend or colleague to take over for the remainder of your trip.
Certain groups of people are at higher risk for drowsy-driving crashes, such as young drivers (men under 25 years old are more than twice as likely to crash when tired) and those who work the night shift or on rotating shifts. Those who travel long distances for work are also more susceptible to drowsy driving, as are those who drive alone over long, monotonous stretches of roadway.
Speeding
Motor vehicle accidents result in serious injuries and death when drivers are reckless or ignore basic driving safety. Despite the many factors that contribute to crashes, some common reasons include speeding and distractions. Drivers should never use electronic devices, eat or drink while behind the wheel, and keep their eyes on the road.
Drivers who fail to adhere to speed limits are often cited as contributing to 27% of all traffic deaths. This is because speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to dangerous situations, increases the distance needed for a vehicle to stop, and decreases the effectiveness of road safety structures like guardrails, crash cushions, and median dividers.
Driving at excessive speeds also exacerbates the force of impact when a collision does occur. This is because Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that force equals mass times acceleration, and a car’s large size and high rate of acceleration combine to cause severe damage when it collides with another object.
Moreover, higher speeds also increase the chance of head and spinal cord injury. Head injuries can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can permanently change a victim’s quality of life and require costly medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, permanent disability, or even death, depending on where the injury occurs on the spine and its severity.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a crash that was caused by another driver’s reckless behavior, an experienced attorney can examine the police report to determine whether speeding played a role. Then, he or she can help you recover maximum compensation for your losses. Our attorneys can also help you take steps to prevent future accidents by obeying the speed limit and adjusting your driving habits according to weather and road conditions.
Pedestrians or Bicyclists
Pedestrians and bicyclists who get struck by vehicles can suffer major injuries. This is because cars generate a lot of force with their size and weight while pedestrians and cyclists are much smaller and lighter. As such, when they get hit by a vehicle the force can cause serious injuries to their head, legs, or arms. This is also why it is important for everyone who is hit by a car to immediately seek medical attention because there may be internal injuries that cannot be seen.
Unfortunately, pedestrian or bicycle collisions with motor vehicles are on the rise. This is partially because of the popularity of e-bikes and scooters which can travel at very high speeds. In addition, more and more people are opting to take their commute on foot rather than in a car. This means that pedestrians are out in greater numbers than ever before.
Many of these accidents occur because drivers fail to observe basic traffic laws. For example, it is illegal for pedestrians to cross the road in front of moving vehicles. Drivers should always be on the lookout for pedestrians when they are driving and should slow down when passing them to make sure they have plenty of time to react to any sudden movements.
It is also a good idea for drivers to avoid distractions like talking on the phone, using an electronic device, or eating while they are on the road. In addition, drivers should make sure they check the weather and road conditions before heading out and adjust their driving habits accordingly. Finally, it is a good idea to have a windshield installed that provides some protection against debris from the roadways and other hazards.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Although some people may think that all car accidents are caused by reckless drivers, many factors can contribute to motor vehicle collisions. Unsafe road conditions are one of these contributing factors, as they can create circumstances that lead to crashes and collisions. These conditions can include unexpected hazards, traffic patterns, or confusion.
In addition, these road conditions can also cause damage to vehicles and their components. This damage can range from minor dings and scratches to damaged tires, suspensions, or deployed airbags. Depending on the extent of the damage, victims may suffer from injuries including neck and back pain, head and brain trauma, and more.
Unsafe road conditions are often caused by poor maintenance and design. For example, when roads are not regularly maintained, they may become slick and dangerous during rainy weather. This can lead to hydroplaning, which is when your vehicle loses control because of the water on the roadway.
Additionally, some roads have uneven surfaces that can make it difficult to maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you. Other road conditions that can cause accidents include potholes, faded lane markings, and road debris.
When unsafe road conditions are to blame for an accident, the governmental entity responsible for the maintenance and design of the roadway may be held liable. This is especially true if the roadway has a defect that contributed to an accident. Victims of these accidents can file a lawsuit against the culpable municipality to recover compensation for their injuries. Those injuries can include medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages. An investigation by an experienced personal injury attorney can uncover photo and video surveillance, eyewitness statements, and other evidence that will help determine who was liable for the crash.
Vehicle Defects
While human error may be the primary cause of most car accidents, a defective vehicle or part could also be to blame. In these cases, victims can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the vehicle or its components.
When a car part or entire vehicle fails, it can have deadly consequences for the driver and other motorists on the road. For example, a steering system defect can make it difficult or impossible to control the direction of the vehicle. Other examples include a faulty airbag that deploys unexpectedly or brakes that fail to work properly.
These defects can increase the severity of an accident, which in turn can lead to severe injuries for crash victims. The traffic safety administration reports that a vehicle defect contributes to more than two percent of all motor vehicle accidents.
Fortunately, it is important to note that the NHTSA reports that most of these accidents could have been prevented with the proper maintenance or repairs. Whether it is a loose floor mat that gets caught on the accelerator pedal or a faulty ignition switch like those in the infamous Toyota recalls, it is a manufacturer’s duty to maintain and inspect its products.
When a company fails to do so and sells vehicles with serious defects, it can be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur. The legal team is committed to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve for their losses and suffering.
