Automobiles are designed for convenience as they are a more fitting form of transportation for an estimate of four (4) people or more. It may vary on the design, but it is undeniable how most of the population rely on automobiles. About 165, 000 cars are known to be produced each day worldwide, and as of 2019, US had 284.5 million registered vehicles with 35 % of these belonging to cars, according to Hedges & Company.
Although this is an unpleasant statistic, accidents are a real threat to driver safety as there are approximately 6.75 million car accidents reputed annually in the United States alone. More than 100 individuals die in the United States each day because of automobile accidents which amounts to 38, 000 deaths per year. Auto accidents are the most known cause of death in U.S. among heathy citizens while traveling. Annually, over 1,200 children below the age of sixteen (16) die in this type of accident.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents
- Drunk driving is the most common reason for auto accidents, which mainly results in death.
- Speeding is the second most common cause of auto accidents. In every 1% increase in mean speed, it results to a 4% increase in the chance of a fatal crash and a 3% increase in the risk of a major auto accident.
Failure to use motorcycle helmets, seat belts, and child restraints.
- 1 out of 7 people do not use seat belts while driving which results to serious injuries and risk of death.
- Road infrastructure that is unsafe. The way roads are built can have a big impact on their safety. Roads should be planned with the safety of all road users in mind.
- Distracted driving also poses potential accidents.
- Some examples are using phones, eating/drinking, applying make-up, vaping/smoking, etc.
- A busy social work schedule may also trigger auto accidents if the driver has not had quality sleep.
Personal Injuries Acquired in an Auto Accident
- Injuries to Neck, Back, or Hip
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Burns
- Fractures and broken bones
- Knee Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Limb Loss and Amputation
- Internal Injuries
- Foot and Ankle Injuries
- Lacerations, bruises, including ‘road rash’
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Auto Accident Occurrence in U.S.
In 2020, there were approximately 3,723 reported motor vehicle accidentsa resulting in death in California, a slight increase from the previous years. Young drivers aged between 16-20 contribute heavily to fatal motor vehicle crashes and have the highest involvement rate in such accidents.
California leads the country with fatal motor vehicle accidents, followed closely by Texas, and resulting in nearly $5.83 billion in damages from medical costs and work loss costs. Although you cannot really place a value on life, these costs are based on numbers through analyzing the costs of claims and related cases due to car, motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents.
The deadliest roads in California are the I-5, US-101, and SR-99.
In 2019, fatal auto accidents were more common on weekends, with Saturday being the most common day. The number of nonfatal accidents was greater on weekdays, with Friday being the highest.
The highest time of day for both fatal and nonfatal accidents was 4 p.m. to 7:59 p.m., but peak accident periods varied significantly over the course of a year: Auto accidents peaked between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. throughout the spring and summer months. The nonfatal auto accidents peak, on the other hand, occurs earlier in the summer, between midday and 3:59 p.m. From October to March, the majority fatal auto accidents occurred between 4 p.m. and 7:59 p.m.
Possible Damages from Auto Accidents
If you have experienced an injury, property damage, or any other form of loss in a personal injury case, you have the right to seek compensation from whoever caused or contributed to your damages as the plaintiff. There are a number of damages that victims of an accident are entitled to, nonetheless damages is the legal name for this type of remuneration. Compensatory damages are also available in practically all auto accident injury cases and they seek to compensate an injured party for the harm they have incurred.
When the at-fault driver or another party was highly negligent in their acts, punitive damages may be given in auto accident injury cases. While they are intended to punish the individual who has wronged you rather than compensate you for your losses, if they are awarded in your case, you will receive the money for these damages. Compensation for monetary losses experienced by a victim as a result of the auto accident is known as special damages, sometimes known as economic damages. The following are examples of possible damages:
- Property that has been harmed as a result of the accident.
- Reimbursement of any previous and/or future medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident’s injuries.
- Reimbursement for lost wages in the past and/or future as a result of the accident.
Things to Remember in the Event of an Automobile Accident
Auto accidents are not something anyone wants to think about, yet they do happen. It’s easy to forget about things in the excitement of the moment, but it’s critical to be ready if the worst happens.
1) Always remember to take a break.
It is a legal necessity for drivers involved in an auto accident to come to a complete stop as soon as it is safe to do so, regardless of how small the accident appears to be. Make sure your car’s engine is turned off and your warning lights are turned on to warn approaching traffic of the collision. If there are no other individuals involved in the collision, such as if you hit a parked car, you should put your contact information on the vehicle’s window screen.
2) Remain calm and safe.
Do not get too worked up. If required, use the passenger door to get out of the car safely and stand a safe distance away from the roadside.
3) Request assistance.
Although a priority is always ensuring safety, accidents sometimes are unavoidable despite party’s best efforts. If someone has been hurt, dial 911 to contact the emergency services. You must provide the location as well as much information on the injuries as possible. It is suggested that no one who is injured be moved unless they are in imminent danger.
If there are injuries, a dangerous situation, or damage to public property because of the incident, the police must be notified. If someone engaged in the collision flees the site without providing information, the police must be called. Make certain that no vehicles are moved until the cops arrive.
4) Don’t blame yourself.
Even if you believe you were at fault, do not accept responsibility for the accident or consider a payment until you know exactly what happened. Allow your insurance provider to handle it; otherwise, if you change your mind later, it could be used against you.
5) Make a list of all pertinent information.
Collect and communicate the following information about the accident to assist with your insurance claim once everyone involved is safe or is being looked after: the accident’s date, time, and place, all passengers’ names, addresses, and phone numbers, as well as the car they were riding in. All automobiles involved were identified by make, model, color, and registration number. If all drivers involved have insurance, provide their information. Any injuries that everyone involved in the accident has sustained. Any car damage that occurred as a result of the collision. Witnesses or police officers who were there at the time of the incident are included below. Describe the weather or anything strange you notice.
6) Take photos if you can
Most modern mobile phones have a camera and will take good enough photos to help you remember important details and for use as evidence. Safely photograph positions of the vehicles involved, road layout, any skid marks and any damage.
7) Tell your insurance company
You must notify your insurance company immediately, or as soon as it is safe to do so, of any collision, you are involved in, regardless of whether or not you need to make a claim. You will need to provide them with all the details and photographs you collect.
8) Contact a lawyer.
If your accident appears to be severe or difficult, or it has resulted to any injury, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible so that they can begin preparing your case. Such injuries are compensable, and a personal injury attorney can help you get the most out of your claim. You can call us at LA Law Group for a free and immediate consult by dialing 866-625-2529.
10) Take a breather to collect your thoughts.
Do not leave until you have double-checked that you have all the information you need and that you are not still in shock or too agitated to drive.
