Car accidents can be frightening and traumatic. In addition to physical injuries, the financial, legal, and emotional consequences can affect your life for years to come. However, if another caused or contributed to your car crash, you could be entitled to compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and other damages.
Fortunately, you don’t have to handle a complex accident claim alone. A lawyer for car accidents can help you navigate the aftermath of a crash, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Morgan & Morgan wants you to have the best chance of receiving what you deserve. Let us identify your next best steps in a free case evaluation today.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car crashes are a common occurrence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities reached a 16-year high in 2021, with an estimated 42,915 deaths. While accidents can happen for multiple reasons, driver negligence and recklessness cause many crashes. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in the US:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Distractions can include, among others:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating
- Adjusting the stereo or GPS
- Talking to passengers
When drivers take their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel, they risk causing an accident. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, a Morgan & Morgan lawyer for car accidents can help you pursue justice.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a severe problem in the US. Despite the dangers, many people still get behind the wheel after drinking. Drunk driving accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 32 people die in accidents involving drunk drivers daily.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, our lawyers for car accidents could help you hold the driver accountable and recover damages.
Speeding
Speeding is another top cause of car accidents in the US. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as pedestrians crossing the street or cars stopping suddenly. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision, often resulting in more significant injuries.
Dangerous Driving
Reckless and dangerous driving can include numerous driving behaviors, such as:
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Cutting off other cars
Reckless drivers put all road users at risk and are often responsible for severe accidents. If you are affected by a reckless driver’s actions, you could be entitled to damages.
Car Defects and Poorly Maintained Roads
Car defects, such as malfunctioning steering, can cause accidents even if drivers follow all traffic laws. Similarly, poorly maintained roads, such as potholes or objects on the road, can also contribute to crashes. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident caused by a car defect or poorly maintained road, a lawyer for car accidents could clarify your legal options.
Do You Have a Car Accident Claim?
As we have seen, there can be many reasons for car accidents. To recap, here are some scenarios that could qualify you for compensation from the responsible party:
- Negligence of another driver, such as speeding or drunk driving
- Intentional acts, such as a deliberate collision due to road rage
- Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes or tires
- Roadway defects, such as potholes or inadequate signage
Contact a Morgan & Morgan Lawyer for Car Accidents
If you were recently involved in a crash that occurred due to the responsibility of another individual, government entity, or business, you could hold them accountable and pursue compensation. Hiring an attorney lets you focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal claim.
Morgan & Morgan has your back. We are here to help you deal with insurance companies, negotiate a full and fair settlement, and represent you powerfully in court.
When a Lawyer for Car Accidents Can Help
Car accidents can cause serious injuries, property damage, and even death. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a car accident, dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. However, a lawyer can help you understand the legal process and protect your rights. Here are some scenarios in which having a car accident lawyer in your corner can be essential:
You Were Injured in an Accident
If you suffered a crash injury, an attorney for car accidents could help you get the compensation you deserve. They can determine who is at fault for the accident, calculate your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Your car accident lawyer can also help you gather evidence, such as witness statements and medical records, to support your case.
You Are Having Trouble Receiving an Insurance Settlement
If another driver was responsible for your accident and injury, their insurance company typically pays for your damages. However, insurers are notorious for offering low settlement amounts to accident victims. A Morgan & Morgan lawyer for car accidents can aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to help you receive what you need to pay your medical bills and other accident-related costs.
The At-Fault Party Is Blaming You for the Accident
If another party blames you for a car accident you did not cause, a car accident attorney can fight back on your behalf. They can gather, organize, and present evidence proving your innocence and the other driver’s fault, such as:
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident reports
Once they establish fault, your lawyer can help you negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
The Insurance Company is Acting in Bad Faith
Sometimes, an insurance company acts in bad faith. For example, they may delay payment, deny your claim, or offer a low settlement amount. If you are running into roadblocks with your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurer, Morgan & Morgan’s lawyers for car accidents can help. We can review insurance policies and determine whether an insurer violates any laws. If they are, we can file a bad-faith insurance lawsuit against them.
You Need Help With the Legal Process
The legal process can be complex and confusing. If you have been in a car accident, you may need help navigating the legal system to get justice and compensation for your damages. A car accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your options, rights, and obligations under the law. They can also guide you through the legal process, from filing a claim to going to trial.
You Need Help to Recover Emotionally and Physically
A lawyer for car accidents can alleviate some of the stress and overwhelming emotions you may feel after a crash. Morgan & Morgan’s car accident lawyers understand the emotional and physical toll of car accidents and can provide emotional support throughout the legal process. We could also refer you to resources that can assist with your recovery, such as medical providers, therapists, or support groups.
These are some ways our car accident lawyers could help you get back on your feet physically and financially after a collision. If you need help after a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us to discover how we could assist you.
Car Accident Victims Could Receive Compensation
A lawyer for car accidents at Morgan & Morgan could help you get adequately compensated if another caused your accident and injuries. While damages available to victims can vary from case to case, you could pursue the following and other awards:
- Loss of earnings
- Healthcare costs
- Car repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disability