According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic accidents lead to more than one million deaths every year. Even though the majority of the accidents may happen in low- to mid-income countries, the United States (U.S.) also contributes to this statistic since its roads are considered to be among the busiest in the world.

Additionally, over six million U.S. passenger cars were involved in an accident in 2019. It’s believed that over 38,000 people lose their lives to road crashes every year, which may be considered as one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

There are different occurrences that lead to car accidents, including drunk driving and overspeeding. If you’re involved in a car accident, you may sustain personal injuries and property damages. With this, it’s best to seek legal help from personal injury lawyers or firms, such as fasigbrooks.com, which may help in insurance claims.

What Causes Car Accidents?

Car accidents may be caused by human errors or environmental reasons. Drunk driving is one of the common causes of road accidents. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving accounts for an average of 29 deaths per day in the U.S. Driving while being intoxicated may impair the driver’s vision, which may lead to head-on collisions.

Distracted driving is another cause of road accidents. Drivers who eat, text, or talk on the phone while driving may lose focus, especially when turning or maneuvering to another lane. Speeding is another factor that contributes to the high death rate in the U.S. Some drivers may be too focused on beating the red light or being on time that they compromise their safety.

However, some accidents may be caused by environmental or natural factors. For one, driving through rainy weather may lead to car accidents since the road may be slippery. The winter season may bring in heavy snow that may affect the vehicle’s visibility and tire traction, which may cause car injuries or even death. Lastly, the quality of the road may affect the driving. For example, uneven roads may affect the car’s brakes, which may lead to collisions.

Post-Car Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident, chances are you may still be in a state of shock right after. However, it’s best to keep these things in mind:

• Check Yourself: After an accident, make sure to check for personal injuries or bleeding. Aside from checking on yourself, it’s best to check on your passengers, too, if you got any.
• Ask For Help: It’s best to keep a list of emergency numbers of hospitals or loved ones on your phone. Instead of researching for the numbers, this may save you some time, especially when urgent help is needed.
• Collect Important Information: It’s essential to take pictures of the accident or wreck since these may be used in processing insurance claims or as evidence during settlements. If you’re the victim, make sure to take note of the important details from the other vehicle, such as the driver’s name and the plate number.
• Talk To The Authorities: The police or highway patrol may help you and your loved ones get into safety after the accident. The authorities will be the ones to make a report, so it’s best to talk to them and explain what happened.

Recovery After The Accident

Seeking medical attention is one of the most important things a person needs to do after being involved in a car crash. Some individuals may not feel any body ache or pain at all. This is due to adrenaline, a stimulating hormone that’s released as a response to stress or danger. This boosts the individual during the accident, but it also gives a false impression of their body’s true condition.

If you figured in a car accident, you should have yourself examined by a medical professional whether there’s bruising or not. This is done to ensure that there are no internal bleedings or fractures sustained during the incident. You may even suffer from a severe or permanent spinal cord injury even when the impact is minimal.

Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer

Getting involved in a car accident involves a lot of paperwork, especially when claiming insurance benefits and settlements. When going through the ordeal alone, this may cause stress since it might involve many requirements and long hours of filing. That’s why it’s best to get legal help, either through a personal injury lawyer or a law firm.

Depending on your circumstances, consulting with a lawyer may help you in getting the compensation that you need and deserve. Lawyers may be able to provide you with advice on local injury laws and how to go about settlement deals. Additionally, law firms usually have associates who may help in filing documentation and reports. In case you need to take the issue to court, hiring an attorney would be beneficial since they can represent you and draft a good defense. Make sure to find a lawyer that is knowledgeable in handling specific cases. And since the rules and laws pertaining to car accidents vary from state to state, working with an experienced local lawyer is your best bet. In Milwaukee, for instance, operating while intoxicated is the number one cause of fatal car accidents. Therefore, finding a reputable OWI attorney in Milwaukee who has a successful track record in handling OWI cases is essential.

Take Safety Precautions

After an accident, it’s important that the person involved learns from it and takes better safety precautions next time. One way to do so is by placing constant reminders all over the car’s interior. Simple notes, such as ‘Wear your seatbelt,’ or ‘Don’t drive and text,’ may help in reminding the driver.

Drivers may also pack different tools, such as a first aid kit and glass cutter, that may help in case an emergency arises. Lastly, go over your car and personal insurance, and make sure that you’re getting appropriate benefits, especially during car accidents.

The Takeaway

Car accidents may be one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., as well as in many parts of the world. Two of the common causes of road accidents are drunk and distracted driving. After being involved in an accident, it’s best to check for personal injuries and record important information, such as the plate number and the other driver’s name.

It’s vital to seek medical help to make sure that there are no severe injuries sustained. It’s also important to get legal help from a lawyer or law firm to deal with injury compensation. Lastly, take more precautionary steps, such as posting reminders or keeping a first aid kit. Also, it’s best to check on your insurance provider to get good coverage in case another accident happens.