The Basics of Your Car Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, the situation is difficult enough. In fact, going after the compensation to which you are entitled regarding losses due to a car accident claim may feel like more work than you can manage at the moment. With a dedicated car accident attorney in your corner, however, you can focus on the difficult task of regaining your health while your attorney skillfully negotiates with the insurance company for your just compensation – in defense of both your rights and your best interests.
The At-Fault Driver
Every motorist is responsible for all of the following:
For following all of the rules of the road
For not interfering with the safe passage of other motorists and their passengers
For driving in accordance with the condition of the road, including taking the dangerous effects of inclement weather and poor maintenance into consideration
All told, this amounts to the duty of care that every driver owes everyone else on the roadway. If you are injured as a result of a motorist failing to live up to the duty of care that he or she owes you, you may be entitled to compensation.
Driver Negligence
Often, a car accident is the direct result of another driver’s negligence, which can take many forms, including:
Distraction – Distraction is one of the most dangerous forms of driver negligence, and texting is the most dangerous form of distraction. Reading or writing a text takes a motorist’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, which is plenty of time for a life-threatening accident to ensue.
Impairment – Drunk drivers should not get behind the wheel, and when they do, they put everyone at increased risk.
Exhaustion – Drowsy drivers can suffer physical and mental impairments that are very similar to those of drunk drivers.
Excess Speed – Speed is a frequent variable in deadly car accidents. Excess speed not only makes car accidents more likely but also makes them more likely to be deadly.
Aggression – Aggressive drivers set out to stir up danger on the roadway, and they tend to be successful at it.
Your Damages
Your car accident claim will boil down to seeking compensation for the full extent of the damages you suffered as the result of someone else’s negligence, and they tend to fall into the following three categories:
Your medical expenses, including ongoing costs for resulting long-term and secondary health concerns
Your lost hours and subsequent earnings on the job, including any diminished earning potential you experience
Your physical and emotional pain and suffering