Accidents happen every day and quite often they are just that, accidents that could not have been avoided. But just as often, crashes are caused by drunk or distracted drivers, by people driving above the speed limit, or by trucks that don’t really have the capability to maneuver like sports cars but try anyway. If you or someone you know has been injured in a traffic accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. In dealing with insurance companies, however, attorneys have an edge over ordinary people, and getting sound legal advice can help you get the maximum reimbursement to which you are entitled.
Dangers on the highway
Accidents are unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence as are the accompanying injuries and fatalities. In 2014, records show that as many as 90 people were killed each day in traffic accidents, and 6,400 were injured. Also in 2014, traffic accidents were listed as the leading cause of death among 11-year olds and also for people in the age range of 16 to 24 years.
Bad weather, heavy traffic, construction and other factors all play a part in accidents. But the biggest dangers on the road are drunk and distracted drivers and large vehicles like trucks. It you have been injured in an accident, the best thing is to contact to a law office with auto injury attorneys who can help you understand your legal options.
- Drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents and the injuries and and fatalities caused by these. Despite all the warnings, people continue to get behind the wheel even though they are in no condition to drive. Given the scale of the problem, it can be difficult for law enforcement to keep up. There are around 300,000 instances of drunk driving every day, but the total number of arrests is less than 4,000.
People who drive drunk may begin to believe that they will stay safe and nothing will happen to them. On average, a person who is arrested for drunk driving will have driven drunk 80 times previously. And of course, that belief in their invincibility is mistaken. Drunk driving crashes injure one person every two minutes, somewhere in the country. - Distracted driving is likewise a major danger on the roads. With the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices, it’s easier than ever to get distracted from the road. It is estimated that in the U.S., about 660,000 people are using cell phones or mobile devices while driving at any given moment during the day.
Researchers have found that drivers engaging in visual-manual subtasks while driving have a threefold greater risk of an accident. This includes such tasks as reaching for a cell phone, dialing a number and sending or reading a text.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the person responsible for the accident. In dealing with the legal requirements and negotiating with insurance companies that are reluctant to part with any money, having experienced attorneys on your side can make all the difference. Auto attorneys and truck crash attorneys will have the experience and knowledge to represent you successfully.
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