Injured in a Car Accident? Here's What You Need to Do Next

The harsh reality is that many of us will be involved in car accidents at least once in our lifetime, with a staggering 14,000 crashes occurring daily in the United States. However, knowing what to do if you or a loved one suffers injuries in a collision can be essential for protecting your rights. If another caused or contributed to your car accident, you could receive damages, such as medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and others.

Morgan & Morgan’s car accident lawyers want you to have the best chance of receiving full and fair compensation if another party caused your accident and injuries. We have helped thousands of car accident victims recover the settlement they needed to regain control of their health and finances. Get started now, and let us assess your case in a free case evaluation.

Recent Car Crash Statistics

Unfortunately, car accidents are common in the US. Despite efforts to improve road safety, crash numbers have remained high, leaving many victims and their families struggling to cope with the aftermath.

Number of Car Accidents Per Day

The statistics show just how many accidents occur in the US daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 5.25 million police-reported car accidents happened in the US during 2020, which equates to around 14,400 car accidents per day. Moreover, almost 43,000 people died in car accidents in 2021 alone, the highest number of deaths since 2005.

Car accidents cost the US economy billions of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. They can also severely impact the lives and livelihoods of those affected and their families.

Common Reasons for Car Accidents

Despite all the technological advancements and safety measures of recent years, car accidents can still happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. One of the prime causes of car accidents is driver negligence. Drivers who are not paying attention or make careless mistakes behind the wheel put themselves, their passengers, and other road users at risk.

Here are some reasons for crashes that are directly related to drivers’ carelessness or recklessness:  

Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Distractions taking drivers’ attention away from the road include:

• Using a cell phone
• Texting
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Adjusting the radio

Distracted drivers are more likely to miss vital road signs, run red lights, or drift into other lanes.

Since distracted drivers neglect their duty to operate their vehicles safely, they could be liable for others’ injuries and damages in a crash. If a distracted driver caused your collision and injuries, a car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan could help you file a claim and recover compensation.

Speeding: Speeding is another common cause of car accidents. According to the NHTSA, 11,258 individuals died due to speeding-related accidents on US roads in 2020. Individuals driving too fast have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian crossing the street or a car suddenly braking or changing lanes. Speeding drivers may also lose control of their vehicles, especially in curves.

Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is a significant problem in the US and another leading cause of car crashes. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are unable to operate a vehicle safely due to the following:

• Slower reaction times
• Impaired judgment
• Decreased coordination

Individuals choosing to operate a car while intoxicated willfully disregard their safety and the safety of others on the road. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash involving a drunk driver, you could be entitled to compensation and should seek advice from a car accident lawyer.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving: Among other dangerous driving behaviors, reckless driving can include:

• Tailgating
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Disregarding traffic signs and signals
• Failing to yield the right of way

Reckless drivers are likely to cause accidents due to violating road laws and regulations.

Fatigued Driving: Overly tired drivers may fall asleep at the wheel or have slower reaction times, making accidents more likely. Fatigued drivers may also have difficulties making good decisions on the road. Individuals who choose to drive when they are overly tired can cause severe accidents with injuries and fatalities.

While car accidents can be caused by various factors, including road defects and vehicle malfunctions, many are related to driver carelessness and are preventable. If you or someone you love got hurt in a crash due to a negligent driver, you could have legal recourse and receive damages. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced car accident lawyers are here to walk you through your options and move forward with a claim.

When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer

If you recently experienced a car crash, you may wonder when to contact a lawyer. While every accident is unique, calling an attorney can be an excellent idea in the following circumstances:

Severe Injuries: The number one reason to contact a lawyer after an accident is if you or a loved one suffered severe injuries. Significant injuries can result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability, severely impacting your quality of life. A skilled car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you receive the compensation you need to cover your accident-related expenses now and in the future.

Liability Is Contested: If there is a dispute over who is responsible for the accident, having an experienced car accident lawyer argue your case can be essential for protecting your rights. A lawyer can review the accident report, witness statements, and other evidence to help establish fault and ensure you are not blamed for an accident that was another’s fault.

Insurance Disputes: Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always willing to pay the compensation you deserve. If an insurance company rejects, delays, or minimizes your claim, an injury attorney at Morgan & Morgan could help. We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight tirelessly for the compensation to which you are entitled.

Complex Legal Procedures: If you are unfamiliar with the legal process, navigating a car accident case alone can be challenging and may result in recovering less than what you truly deserve. Our tenacious car accident lawyers can explain the legal process to you, file the necessary paperwork, and handle all other legal matters related to your case.

Peace of Mind: When it all gets too much, calling a lawyer can be comforting and provide peace of mind during an upsetting and stressful time. Our car accident lawyers can handle your claim from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your health and family. Knowing that you have a skilled attorney in your corner can give you the confidence and peace of mind you need to move forward.

Compensation You Could Recover in a Car Accident

The compensation you could receive will depend on the facts of your accident and your unique injuries and expenses. However, car accident victims could receive the following and other damages:  

• Loss of income
• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Costs of ongoing care
• Future medical treatment costs
• Property damage (car and belongings)

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could also qualify for so-called “non-economic damages,” which can include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional anguish
• Disability
• Reduced life enjoyment

Speak to a Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer to determine the damages you are entitled to in your specific case.

What Is the Most Dangerous Time for Driving?

Consider driving mainly during daylight hours if you want to avoid the most dangerous time for driving. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatal crashes peak on Saturday nights. Night driving, in general, is more dangerous than driving during the day due to numerous factors, such as:

Impaired driving: Individuals may be more likely to drive drunk during the night. According to the NHTSA, alcohol-related crashes are four times more likely to occur at night than during the day.

Fatigue: Nighttime driving can exacerbate driver fatigue and impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making abilities, and awareness of their surroundings.

Lack of visibility: Reduced visibility during dark hours can make it more challenging for drivers to see pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles on the road.

How Can I Prevent Being Involved in a Car Crash?

Unfortunately, we cannot control other drivers. The sad reality is that most of us will be involved in a crash at some point. However, the good news is that you can take some steps to reduce your risk of getting involved in an accident, such as:

• Staying focused and devoting your entire attention to the road
• Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs
• Buckle up, even if you are only driving a very short distance
• Obey all traffic laws and regulations
• Drive defensively
• Service your car regularly

Getting hurt in an accident can be frustrating, especially if you have done everything to avoid a crash. However, when others’ errors cause your accident and injuries, you can protect your rights by contacting a car accident lawyer. 

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing events. In addition to physical injuries, victims could face emotional and financial burdens. In the aftermath of a crash, you may not know how to protect your health and rights. Here are some critical steps to take:

Get Medical Help: Seeking medical attention after an accident should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Therefore, it is essential to get checked by a medical professional to ensure that you receive proper treatment. You may also need a medical report for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Call the Police: Calling 911 and reporting the accident is a crucial step, especially if you or others on the scene suffer injuries. Law enforcement will document the accident and provide you with a police report that can be used in insurance or legal proceedings.

Gather Evidence: If you are physically able, gather evidence of the crash. Take pictures of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses, and note the time and location of the accident.

Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and tell you what to do next.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer: Insurance companies rarely have your best interests at heart and could trick you into accepting a lowball settlement offer. Contacting an experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your rights and recover the compensation you truly deserve.

Be Kind to Yourself: Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being can be essential for a speedy recovery. Make sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and consider seeking counseling to cope with any emotional trauma caused by the accident.

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Taking good care of yourself and getting a dedicated car accident lawyer in your corner can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Morgan & Morgan Fights for Car Accident Victims

Unfortunately, even the best vehicle safety features and traffic laws cannot make up for driver error or carelessness. However, if someone else is responsible for your crash, you need the best legal representation and the best chance of getting what you deserve.

There is only one Morgan & Morgan. We genuinely care about you and want to see you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Our fee is always free unless you win. Contact us today to find out more in a free consultation.