Car Accidents

A car accident is a collision resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle. While car accidents most often take place between more than one motor vehicle, car accidents can also consist of vehicle/pedestrian collisions, vehicle/environmental collisions, and vehicle/cyclist collisions. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists car accidents as amongst the top ten preventable causes of death in the United States, accounting for over 40,000 deaths on an annual basis.

Types of car accidents range from injuries sustained to their inherent causes. 

Car Accidents: Causes

1. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) are amongst the most common causes of vehicular injuries and car accidents. When an individual ingests a mind-altering substance, their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is impaired. This can result is slowed reaction time, drowsiness, and lack of alertness. Although the legal limit permitted to operate a motor vehicle varies from state to state, the most common blood alcohol content (BAC) allowed is .08%. Should an individual’s blood alcohol content exceed the legal limit, their intoxicated state can contribute to the severity of penalties and fines assessed as a result of the car accident. 

A car accident that results in homicide can become vehicular manslaughter in the event of a DUI or DWI.

A car accident resulting from a reckless driving violation can become reckless endangerment in the event of a DUI or DWI.

A car accident that does not result in injury can result in a loss of license, heavy fines, and jail time in the event of a DUI or DWI.

Insurance surcharges resulting from a car accident can be exponentially higher in the event of a DUI or DWI. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to terminate coverage entirely.

2. Reckless driving is the unsafe or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, which can consist of speeding, racing, cell-phone use while driving, distracted driving, and driving while tired. Due to the speed undertaken by vehicles on today’s roadways, momentary aversion of one’s gaze from the road can result in a car accident.

Both damage and injuries sustained as a result of reckless driving are tried accordingly, giving them added weight regardless of the absence of voluntary intent. In the realm of legality, reckless driving is most often associated with negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Car Accidents: Injuries, Damage, and Recourse

The scope of damage and injuries resulting from car accidents is vast, ranging from paint scratches to death. As a result, any documentation with regard to the car accident should be obtained, as well as any police reports or witness testimony. Depending on the car accident policy upheld by an individual state, the fault of the accident not only determines compensation, but also the insurance surcharges incurred. 

One of the more common car accident injuries sustained by individuals is whiplash, which results from a forceful jarring of the neck and spine as a result of a car accident collision. Individuals are encouraged to consult medical professionals upon experiencing injuries and/or discomfort as a result of a car accident. With the help of a car accident attorney, medical reports, in addition to police and car accident reports, will determine the validity of the case.

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