Millions of car crashes happen each year. While this can seem like a staggering number, most of these accidents only result in property damage. However, serious injuries and death do occur, so it’s important to be as safe a possible when out on the road.
Most of the individuals injured in car accidents are drivers and passengers. But, pedestrians and cyclists can also be harmed in vehicle collisions. If you were hurt in a car crash, you may be entitled to money damages to compensate you for your injuries.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Now, there are a variety of injuries that can occur in a car accident. Some of these are immediately apparent, but in certain cases, you won’t know the full impact of your injuries until some time has passed.
Minor Scrapes and Bruises
Car crash injuries can also vary in severity. Common minor injuries include things like bruising, scrapes, and cuts. It’s important for you to receive the appropriate treatment for these physical ailments in order to minimize the risk of infection.
Whiplash
Whiplash is another common injury in vehicle collisions. This occurs when there is a rapid movement of the neck, often occurring after a rear-end accident. In some cases, this injury can heal quickly, but in other cases, it may require ongoing physical therapy.
Broken Bones & Other Internal Injuries
Accidents can also lead to broken bones, including broken ribs. This often happens as a result of the airbag being deployed or due to the seatbelts. Internal bleeding can also occur, which may not be immediately apparent after the crash. However, this condition can be dangerous if left untreated.
Head and Brain Injuries
Note that head and brain injuries can develop as well. These can lead to headaches and long-term brain functioning problems. Further, they may be difficult to diagnose in the aftermath of the accident.
Mental Distress and Trauma
Keep in mind that psychological injuries can also arise following a car accident. These events can be traumatic, and lead to mental scarring. A condition that may develop is post-traumatic stress disorder, which may require professional help to treat.
Types of Accidents
Now, car accidents can happen in a number of ways, some of which are more likely to be fatal than others.
Two-Vehicle Collision
The most common type of fatal crash is a collision with another motor vehicle. This accounts for 38% of the total number of accidents involving death, and it most often involves cars colliding at an angle.
Collision With a Fixed Object
The second most deadly type of car accident is a collision with a fixed object. This accounts for 30% of traffic fatalities. Trees are the most often cited object, followed by poles and posts on the road.
Collision With a Moving Object
Note that a collision with another type of moving object accounts for 22% of roadway fatalities. Pedestrians are the most common object, followed by cyclists. However, collisions can also occur with animals and trains.
Non-Collisions
Finally, there are non-collisions, which account for 10% of all car accident-related deaths. This type of accident typically involves a car rolling over.
Cause of Accidents
Determining the cause of a vehicle collision is important. This is because you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries if you can show that someone acted negligently. This means there must be evidence that the person failed to behave as a reasonable person would under the circumstances. You must also prove that the negligence caused your injuries.
Note that the leading cause of car accidents is speeding. The second highest cause is a driver being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Distracted driving is also a major contributor, which includes behavior such as texting while driving, eating, and interacting with a navigation system.
In addition, a large number of car crashes are caused by a driver’s failure to follow traffic rules. This would include failing to stay in the proper lane, failure to yield, running red lights or stop signs, and going the wrong way down a one-way street.
Now, you likely have a case if you can show that the other driver caused the accident by engaging in any of the behaviors listed above. However, bear in mind that there are situations where no one is to blame for your injuries. Examples include crashes caused by bad weather or a natural object, such as a tree falling into the road.
It may also be the case that you are partially at fault for the accident. These types of cases can get complex, so it’s important to speak with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on how best to proceed.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464
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