When you’re injured in a crash or on the job, your first line of thought is likely where to go next.
Do you focus on your recovery or do you file a claim? Will your insurance cover you or should personal injury attorneys guide your hand? These questions can seem overwhelming at first, but when it comes to exploring your options you’re already on the right track. An accident is never as simple as an injury and some money spent. It means getting closure on the issue and supporting your endeavor to not just recover properly, but live in a safer world. Whether you’ve been the victim of drunk driving or found yourself at the wrong end of a distracted driving incident, personal injury attorneys are your first line of defense.
Here’s how a car accident attorney can help you.
Today’s driving statistics are at astronomical heights. Drunk driving, road rage and distracted driving claim thousands of lives around the world every year, with most of the incidents easily avoided with a little oversight. According to studies provided by the Association for Safe International Road Travel (or ASIRT), over 37,000 American residents will die in road crashes annually. When you’re the victim of a crash it can be easy to feel all hope is lost, with even minor wrecks still involving thousands of dollars in repair bills and medical expenses.
Distracted driving is considered by many to be more insidious than drunk driving. The percentage of drivers using handheld cell phones or other electronic devices while behind the wheel (such as changing the radio dial or checking a tablet) decreased a little between 2015 and 2016. Even still, one of the most common cases brought to personal injury attorneys is the aftermath of distracted driving. This doesn’t mean drunk driving has lost relevance. Back in 2015 over one million drivers were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Some drive for job-related purposes. Others use their car to get them and their family where they need to go. No matter what you use your car for, a crash is devastating for more reasons than one. Laws have been tweaked to better address the rates of crashes across the country, with additional tools like car breathalyzer systems useful for repeat offenders. Oregon traffic laws have stated a vehicle moving in traffic must use a turn signal at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change, for starters. Utah has also recently updated its drunk driving laws, requiring a 0.05% BAC to be considered grounds for arrest.
It’s estimated drugs other than alcohol, both legal and otherwise, are involved in over 15% of motor vehicle crashes. Age and inexperience also plays a factor in the rate of crashes. There were over 32,000 fatal motor crashes in the United States back in 2015. Globally it’s thought at least half of all road traffic deaths occur among young adults. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with the outstanding factors that go into car crashes and are more than equipped to approach your case with the experience and dedication necessary to see it through to the end.
For those concerned about whether or not their case will reach trial, keep in mind the vast majority of personal injury cases are actually handled outside the courtroom. Recent statistics have estimated as much as 95% or more of truck accidents and motorcycle crashes will be resolved pretrial. Personal injury attorneys will provide you the resources you need to resolve your case properly, whether it’s interrogating witnesses in a drunk driving accusation or speaking with your insurance company about proper compensation in light of an injury. With all this information swirling around in your mind it can be easy to be lost.
When you have questions, there’s a place that can provide answers. Contact your law firm and ask for the aid of personal injury attorneys.
