Auto Accidents
Car accidents can be a life-altering experience. Many individuals experience severe and incapacitating injuries that may persist for years or even a lifetime. Moments of negligence or a brief lapse in attention can have fatal consequences, leaving survivors to mourn and manage significant personal and financial hardships. Navigating who is at fault and who is responsible for covering damages can be addressed through the legal system.
How a Car Accident Case Works
Car accident law merges elements of traffic and personal injury law. If you suffer injuries in an auto accident, you might engage a car accident lawyer to help negotiate with other involved parties to determine liability and compensation. If necessary, your lawyer may also initiate a lawsuit.
The court will reconstruct the events of the accident using evidence such as police reports, photographs, and witness testimonies. It will then apply local traffic laws and legal principles to identify the responsible party. The at-fault driver is typically required to compensate the other party for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Calculating fault can be complex, especially when multiple drivers are involved. States vary in their laws regarding multi-party accidents, with some requiring one party to cover all costs, while others apportion costs based on the degree of fault of each party.
The Role of Auto Insurance
Most damages from a car accident are not paid out-of-pocket but through auto insurance coverage, which may cover vehicle repair or replacement and some medical expenses. In many cases, insurance companies provide legal representation, though they typically choose the attorney. State laws differ significantly in terms of required insurance coverage for drivers.
Determining Who's at Fault
Laws determining fault vary based on the vehicles involved and the circumstances of the accident. Generally, states offer greater protection to pedestrians and bicyclists due to their higher vulnerability to injuries. Motorcyclists, who face different risks, must adhere to specific traffic regulations tailored to their vehicle's capabilities.
At Cornerstone Law Firm, PC, we are delighted to serve you with respect to the following:
Bus Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Uber/Lyft Accidents
Autonomous Taxi Accidents
Wrongful Death
Car accidents rank among the top causes of injuries globally. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in just the first nine months of 2022, car accidents resulted in the deaths of 31,785 individuals.
The nature and severity of injuries from car accidents can vary, but certain types are commonly seen, such as:
Head Injuries
Head injuries, which are some of the most severe consequences of car accidents, occur when drivers and passengers hit their heads against interior car components like steering wheels, dashboards, or windows. Such impacts can lead to:
Traumatic brain injuries
Mild concussions
Comas
Persistent cognitive issues
Additionally, these injuries can result in skull fractures, hearing loss, and vision impairments. Victims often require extensive medical intervention and face substantial medical bills.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are also a frequent outcome of car accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to significant nerve damage, manifesting as reduced sensation and control over arms, hands, legs, and feet. Severe spinal injuries may result in paralysis.
Another typical injury from car accidents is a herniated disk, which can cause:
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Pain in the arms or legs
Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most recognized injuries from car accidents. This injury arises from the rapid movement of the head and neck, such as in rear-end collisions, leading to damage to the neck’s muscles and ligaments. Common symptoms include generalized neck pain and swelling.
Chest Injuries
Many serious injuries from car accidents involve the chest area. Blunt force trauma can lead to broken ribs and collapsed lungs. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions may suffer sudden cardiac arrests, and internal bleeding in the chest area is also a critical concern. Injuries can also extend to internal organs, the pelvis, and the abdomen, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Other Car Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists involved in car accidents typically sustain more severe injuries, such as broken bones, ligament damage (including torn ACLs), and even severed limbs. The mortality rate for motorcyclists is considerably higher than that for car occupants.
Additionally, pain and suffering are significant components of car accident injuries, encompassing both physical and emotional distress. Symptoms may include:
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in appetite
Mood swings
Irritability
Relationship issues
The emotional and psychological effects can persist for months or even years, deeply affecting not only those injured but also those who witnessed the injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder counseling may be necessary following severe incidents.
If you were injured in an auto accident and would like to discuss your case, call us at (310) 444-0055 for a free consultation.