Car accidents can cause serious physical and psychological injuries, and it’s essential to understand the causes that result from collisions and their impact on life. An attorney plays a critical role in helping a person receive the compensation they may be entitled to after a car accident.
An attorney will investigate the details of an accident and determine who is at fault, gather evidence that supports their client’s case, negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their client, and represent their client in court if necessary.
Let’s take a close look at the types of car accidents and injuries that result from collisions and how attorneys can help you get the maximum compensation possible following a car accident.
Rear End Collisions
These are considered among the most common type of car accidents. The forces of the vehicle behind impact the car in front, causing passengers to be pushed forward with a great amount of force. This type of accident can cause whiplash, head and neck injuries, broken or sprained bones, cuts, bruises, and other soft-tissue damage. It can also result in death depending on the level of force involved.
It is important to try and avoid rear-end collisions by keeping a safe distance from cars ahead of you, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding distractions that take away from your ability to pay attention to the road. In addition, always wear your seatbelt when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, as this can help protect you from injury in an accident.
If you have been involved in this collision, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is vital, as some injuries may not be apparent until later. It is also important to contact a professional personal injury attorney who may be able to help you protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation that you really deserve.
Head-on collision
Head-on collisions occur when two cars strike each other while traveling in opposite directions. These accidents are hazardous because the vehicles move toward each other at high speeds, increasing the likelihood of severe injury or death. Various factors, including distracted driving, driving under the influence, excessive speed, and poor road conditions, can cause head-on collisions. To reduce the risk of head-on collisions, drivers should always obey traffic laws, refrain from distracted driving, drive sober, and be alert for potential hazards.
Additionally, motorists should always maintain a considerable safe following distance from the vehicle in front of them and pay close attention to road conditions, such as curves in the roadway or unexpected obstacles. Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of a head-on collision and make our roads safer places to travel.
A Side-Impact Collisions
A side-impact collision is a type of car accident in which the front or rear of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These accidents often result in severe injuries because there is less protection for occupants on the sides of cars than for those in the front or back.
According to the data collected by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),side-impact collisions account for more than 25% of all fatal and serious injury traffic accidents. In addition, they are one of the most commonly occurring accidents in parking lots and driveways. If you are involved in a collision, it is essential to seek medical attention right away. Many victims suffer from internal organ damage spinal cord.
Sideswipe Collisions
Sideswipe collisions occur when two cars traveling in the same direction side-by-side hit each other. The collision force is usually distributed evenly between the two cars, which is why they’re often called “fender benders.”
Sideswipe collisions can be caused by driver error, such as when a driver doesn’t see another car and drifts into its lane, or by environmental factors, such as when a car hits a slick spot on the road. They can also be caused by car defects, such as a malfunctioning window motor that causes a window to roll down unexpectedly.
Intersection Collisions
A collision at an intersection can occur in several ways. Cars turning left can collide with cars going straight, and cars going straight can collide with cars turning right. These types of collisions are called T-bone collisions because they resemble the letter, T.
Another type of collision that can happen at intersections is a head-on collision, which occurs when two cars traveling in opposite directions collide. Rear-end collisions are also common at intersections, as they are elsewhere on the road.
The most crucial factor in avoiding a collision is paying attention to the road and being aware of all your surroundings. Obeying traffic signals and following the road rules will also help keep you and others safe while driving.
Low-Speed Collisions
A low-speed collision is a collision that occurs at speeds of less than 15 mph. These collisions can cause serious injuries, especially if the occupants of the vehicles are not wearing seat belts. Head and neck injuries are common in low-speed collisions, as are knee and ankle injuries. Broken bones are also a common result of low-speed collisions.
In most cases, low-speed collisions are considered minor accidents and do not result in insurance claims. However, if you were injured in a low-speed collision, you can also file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance company.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run is a traffic collision in which the driver of one vehicle strikes another and immediately leaves the scene without providing information or assistance. Hit-and-run accidents can result in serious injury or death.
Understanding the Types of Injuries in Car Accidents
From whiplash to broken bones, car accidents can have lasting effects if not treated properly. The following is some information about the common types of injuries that result from car accidents and what you should do if you experience one.
Whiplash
Whiplash is also one of the most common types of injury suffered in car crashes. It usually occurs when the head is suddenly jerked strongly forward or backward with great force, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. And the symptoms include pain or stiffness in the neck, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. You must get medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms after a car accident, as they can worsen over time without treatment.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common type of injury sustained in car accidents. These injuries range from minor fractures that heal quickly to more serious breaks that require surgery or other extensive treatments such as physical therapy or rehabilitation. In some cases, broken bones may even result in permanent disability or disfigurement. Getting prompt medical care for any suspected broken bones after a car accident is essential to be properly assessed and treated accordingly.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are also common after a collision and may include concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Concussions often cause confusion and temporary memory loss, while TBI can lead to long-term cognitive impairments like reduced motor function or difficulty speaking clearly. Prompt medical attention is essential for head injuries since they could have severe consequences if not treated properly.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious mental condition that can develop after a personal experience or witnessing a traumatic car accident. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The disorder can also lead to problems with concentration and memory and feelings of guilt, isolation, and depression. Left untreated, PTSD can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life.
However, there are effective treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms and live productive lives. If you, a friend, or family members have been in a serious car accident and are struggling to cope, please seek professional help.
Causes of car accidents
- Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone or another electronic device to text, talk on the phone, or otherwise divert attention from the road can lead to potentially dangerous and deadly consequences for drivers and nearby pedestrians.
- Impaired/Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the strong influence of drugs (including prescription medications) or alcohol can have severe consequences, including an increased risk of crashing into other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast in bad weather or road conditions increases the risk of severe injury and death in an accident.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive behavior such as tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, or running red lights and stop signs can lead to serious accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Reduced visibility due to weather, poor road conditions, or inadequate lighting can create hazards for drivers.
- Driver Fatigue: Driving while tired can impair judgment and reaction time and increase the crash risk.
- Mechanical Failure: Malfunctioning brakes, faulty tires, and other car problems can lead to serious accidents.
- Poor Road Design: Improperly designed roads or roads with inadequate maintenance can create hazardous conditions for drivers.
- Animal Crossings: Animals crossing the road can lead to a collision if drivers do not take proper safety precautions.
- Weather Conditions: High winds, heavy rain, snow, and ice can make driving more difficult and increase the crash risk.
The Role of an Attorney After a Car Accident
Car accidents are never fun. But even in the worst-case scenarios, you may be able to get financial compensation for your losses. To do this, you will need a skilled attorney to help you navigate the legal process.
The Legal Process of Getting Compensated After an Accident
Car accidents can cause physical injuries and property damage that require significant medical bills and repairs. In order to receive compensation for these damages, you must properly file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. An experienced attorney can help ensure that all necessary paperwork is accurately completed and that deadlines are met. They also have extensive knowledge of state laws and regulations related to car accidents, which can help them protect your interests throughout the entire process.
Insurance companies typically try to minimize their payouts by offering lowball settlements or denying claims altogether. An attorney’s job is to make sure that these tactics don’t work — they will fight for every penny you deserve to ensure that all your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses are covered in full. In addition to filing paperwork, an attorney also negotiates with the insurance company.
Your Rights After Being Injured in a Car Accident
Victims of car accidents have certain rights under state law when it comes to seeking financial compensation for their losses. Your attorney will know what those rights are and how they apply in your case so they can ensure that they are not violated during any part of the legal process. For example, if you were injured due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, your attorney can work with experts and witnesses to prove liability so that you don’t have difficulty getting compensated for your losses.
Concluding Remarks
Car accidents can cause a variety of physical and psychological injuries ranging from whiplash and broken bones to head trauma such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It’s important to seek medical attention to assess potential damages and begin treatments if you have been involved in an auto accident. By understanding the types of injuries that may occur after a crash, you can be better prepared should an accident occur so that you receive appropriate care as soon as possible.
Having a car accident lawyer in Owings Mills, MD, on your side after a vehicle accident is essential if you want to get fairly compensated for your losses. They will handle all aspects of the legal process, from filing paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies to protecting your rights under state law and proving liability when necessary.
Ultimately, an attorney’s goal is to ensure that you get every penny you deserve from the at-fault party’s insurance company so that all of your medical bills, lost wages, and other kinds of expenses are covered in full following a car accident.