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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.

  1. 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.