When driving, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid a collision. Unfortunately, not all people drive safely, and accidents do happen.
If you are involved in a motor accident — whether as a driver or as a passenger — you must understand your legal rights and options.
This blog post will give you everything you need to know about motor accident laws in the U.S. and how motor vehicle accident attorneys can help your case.
What Is a Motor Accident?
A motor accident is an incident that involves a vehicle, person, or property that leads to injury or death. An accident can happen for various reasons, such as bad weather, a vehicle malfunction, etc., but is usually the result of negligence.
Negligence occurs when one party fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation, resulting in a car accident.
While it is impossible to reduce the risk of having a motor accident entirely, there are some precautions you can take to reduce your risk. These include wearing a seatbelt, keeping your eyes on the road, avoiding distractions, and keeping your vehicle in good repair.
Your Rights After a Motor Accident
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you have the right to pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. There are different types of compensation that an injured party may be able to claim after an accident. They include:
Medical Bills
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may receive medical care due to your injuries. Your medical bills may be covered by health insurance, depending on your accident.
However, if you have out-of-pocket costs, you could receive compensation for these costs through a motor vehicle accident claim.
Lost Wages
If you are off work due to your motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This is especially true if you have a long-term injury and are unable-to-work long-term. This compensation will depend on your income and the time you were unable to work.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are elements of all personal injury claims. While it is very hard to put a dollar value on pain and suffering, it can include emotional anguish, mental anguish, and physical pain.
Property Damage
Property damage is the damage done to your car or the car that hit yours. This can include your car’s appearance, repairs, and rental fees.
Determining Negligence, Fault, and Liability in Motor Accidents
In order to establish fault and liability in a motor vehicle accident, you must prove that the other party was negligent.
Negligence is the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably cautious person would have exercised in the same situation. There are different types of negligence that cause motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Driving too fast for the weather conditions causes you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Distracted driving is another common cause of motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving can include using your phone while driving, eating while driving, or driving when you are sleepy.
- Driving while intoxicated – Alcohol and driving do not mix. In fact, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated in most states. Driving while intoxicated can lead to a motor vehicle accident that could seriously injure or kill someone.
In Conclusion: How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. This can be done through a motor vehicle accident claim with the help of a car accident lawyer.
Motor vehicle accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. This includes taking your initial call, investigating your claim, negotiating with the other side, and finalising your settlement, so you can focus on recovering from your accident.
