Motor Vehicle Accident Resource Center

Summary

In this article, we will go over and explore information that will guide you through the process of obtaining expert legal representation and seeking appropriate interventions for your motor vehicle accident.

Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death in the US today.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatalities from traffic crashes reached 44,450 in 2023, and death rates continue to rise to this day. These accidents lead to serious injuries that cost billions of dollars in medical and administrative expenses, property damage, wage and productivity losses, and costs to the employer.

In 2022, 5.2 million medically consulted injuries from motor vehicle accidents cost the nation up to $481.2 billion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who declared a national crisis of motor vehicle deaths on American roadways.

Because of the gravity of the impact of this type of accident, legal assistance is crucial to holding liable parties accountable and obtaining maximum compensation for injuries and damages caused by motor vehicle crashes.

At Frantz Law Group, our team of personal injury lawyers can provide legal guidance and representation on your case. We are committed to protecting and asserting your rights and helping you get the justice that you deserve.

Different Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are various types of traffic accidents that can lead to injuries or crash deaths.

Single-Car Accidents

A single-car accident involves only one vehicle colliding with a stationary object. This typically occurs when swerving to avoid debris, an animal, a pedestrian, another vehicle, or any kind of hazard on the road.

Distracted driving, caused by cell phone use, fatigue or sleepiness, driving under the influence, excessive speed, or brake failure, is a common cause. Environmental factors such as heavy rains, wet roads, poor drainage, narrow lanes, or sharp curves may likewise lead to single-car accidents.

Collisions between a motor vehicle and a fixed object are the second most common type of traffic accident that pulls up fatality rates in 2022, with over 26% of deaths reported.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-ups

Multi-vehicle pile-ups involve three or more vehicles colliding and piling up like a chain reaction. A common cause is driver error, such as speed driving, slow reaction time, or distracted driving.

It may also occur in bad weather conditions. Isolating the cause of this kind of collision may be challenging because multiple cars are involved.

The severity of the consequence depends on the number of vehicles involved and the intensity of impact. Passenger vehicles that receive multiple impacts may lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end or rear-impact collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back or rear-end of another vehicle, hence its name.

These typically occur when the rear driver fails to notice the close distance to the vehicle ahead or drives on slippery roads when raining or snowing. The rear driver is generally found at fault, and the passengers in the impacted car tend to be injured more severely.

This type of car crash may cause minor to severe injuries and may involve a whiplash. Victims usually suffer from severe fractures or long-term spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.

Head-on Collisions

Also known as frontal impact accidents, head-on collisions involve two vehicles colliding with each other on their front end. While this is unavoidable and usually happens very suddenly, these car crashes do not happen as often.

A typical cause of this type of car crash is one driver straying inadvertently into the path of a vehicle driving in the opposite direction. This could be due to speeding or reckless driving, distracted driving, avoiding road debris or other hazards on the street, or driving while intoxicated.

Because the force of impact equals the total speeds of the two vehicles coming towards each other, passengers in the front seat tend to suffer from serious injuries and even death.

Observing vehicle safety, such as seat belt use and activating the airbags upon impact, can mitigate the severity of the consequences.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions (also known as lateral impact collisions, T-bone accidents, or broadside accidents) happen when a vehicle bumps into the side of another vehicle going in a perpendicular direction, such as in intersections.

Common causes include driving under the influence, not paying attention to road signs and traffic lights, or aggressive driving by motorists who do not yield or stop at an intersection.

The vehicle that was crashed into gets more severe damage because it receives the greatest impact.

This can be one of the most dangerous car crash types because there is minimal mass to absorb the impact of the crash since the only thing protecting the passenger is the door frame. Leading to more serious injuries or a fatally injured driver or passenger.

Sideswipe Collisions

Sideswipe collisions involve two vehicles parallel to each other colliding into each other’s side. This usually happens when one of the drivers swerves or switches lanes at high speeds or without noticing blind spots, or one takes over another vehicle.

While injuries from this type of car crash are typically not as severe, it may also cause one or both vehicles to collide with cars in other lanes, eventually leading to a head-on collision.

Often, this type of motor vehicle crash only causes cosmetic damage.

Rollovers

One of the most fatal crashes is a rollover collision, which is a motor vehicle crash where a vehicle flips sideways or on its roof. Crash reports cite the following common causes: sudden braking at excessively high driving speed, slippery roads, or turning too abruptly or sharply.

Motorists may suffer from catastrophic injuries because they get tossed around inside the vehicle or get ejected from the car. Vehicles may also ignite if there is a fuel spill.

Knowing Your Rights After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Roadpeace.org considers road traffic accident sufferers as victims of crime who are deserving of the same rights. These are:

Right to information and support: Traffic crash victims have the right to be informed about the details of the case and to be supported by relevant players in the case, such as law enforcement officers, medical workers, and the criminal justice system.
Right to be counted and included: Victims have the right to be counted and included as crime victims in surveys and statistics to get the maximum compensation and justice they deserve.
Right to be represented: Victims have the right to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney to guard their interests and negotiate with the other party and insurance companies.

Immediate Steps to Take Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

If you get into a motor vehicle accident, take the following steps immediately:

Ensure safety and get medical assistance: Get out of harm’s way to avoid further injury. Whether you suffered from a visible injury or not, call emergency services promptly to have yourself evaluated and for medical treatment.
Report to the police: Get a police report, as it is usually required when filing for insurance claims and in legal procedures.
Exchange information and make proper documentation: Gather the names of the other person or people involved in the accident and their vehicle details, contact information, and insurance information. Take photos of the accident scene, paying close attention to damages, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs.
Call your attorney: If you already have a lawyer, get help facilitating the filing of insurance claims and going through the legal process. If you have no legal representation, consider getting one to help you with the investigation, review your insurance coverage, assess the extent of the damage and injury, and get you the best settlement or maximum compensation for your case. Get a free consultation from Frantz Law Group now!

Notify your insurance company: With or without an attorney, inform your insurance company immediately about the details of the accident and provide appropriate documentation.

How to Select a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

Selecting an attorney to represent you legally may be confusing and overwhelming. Here are some tips and key considerations in choosing the right personal injury attorney to handle your case.

Gather recommendations from trusted family members, friends, and credible reviews of personal injury lawyers in your area and prepare a shortlist of candidates.
Look at the firm’s roster of lawyers and verify their credentials. Pay close attention to their background and experience, particularly their success rate in handling motor vehicle accident cases.
Arrange consultations and assess them based on the following factors: communication skills, approachability, professionalism, and understanding of your situation.
Ask about their fee structure and check if they offer a contingency fee option, meaning you only pay them if you win your case.
Before signing, carefully review any agreement and ask all your questions about any unclear terms.

FAQs About Motor Vehicle Accidents

Who is at fault in a motor vehicle accident?

Multiple factors need to be considered to determine who is at fault in a traffic crash, including evidence from police reports, photos from the accident scene, witness statements, narratives of the motorists involved, and existing traffic laws. Having a motor vehicle accident attorney is helpful to facilitate and expedite the process of assigning fault.

What kind of compensation can I receive?

As a motorist who got into a car accident, you can be compensated for costs incurred from medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, emotional pain, and suffering. Moreover, if the other party is found guilty of negligence or recklessness, you may be compensated for punitive damages.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for my claim?

Hiring a lawyer is not required but can simplify filing a claim, especially for traffic fatalities. A personal injury attorney can navigate the legal process and handle insurance companies, expediting and maximizing your compensation.

What is the timeframe for processing a claim?

It usually ranges from a few weeks to several months. Your lawyer can make the best estimate based on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of involved parties and insurance companies.

Tips to Prevent Motor Vehicle Accidents

Here are some vehicle safety tips that can not only save you the hassle of going through the legal process involved in motor vehicle accidents but can also save your life!

Be familiar with your state’s traffic laws and rules and follow them closely.
Avoid using gadgets, eating, getting into arguments, and other sources of distraction when driving.
Have a sober companion drive you if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that may impair your capacity to drive safely.
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and road users, and always be on the lookout for possible hazards.
Have your vehicle regularly checked and maintained to keep it in proper working order.

Secure Expert Legal Representation with Frantz Law Group

Having an expert legal team with years of professional experience backing you up on your motor vehicle accident case is one of the best decisions you will have to make.

Let our lawyers at Frantz Law Group help you! For a free consultation and case evaluation, reach out to us at (855) 930-2626 today. Let’s get you started with your journey towards recovery and compensation.

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