Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and accidental deaths throughout the country. Car accidents are likely to result in severe injuries, medical expenses, property damage to your vehicle, and other losses. As a result, when most people think of the aftermath of a car accident, they typically consider things like hospital bills and vehicle repair costs as their primary concerns. However, the effects of a car accident can involve much more than the above damages, and each can impact the victim’s life in many ways. On the other hand, those who may have caused the auto crash may be criminally liable and may need the help of a bail bondsman and an expert criminal defense from a car accident attorney to help them defend their rights.
What Are the Three Impacts of a Crash?
When most people think of car accidents, they only think of the initial impact of one vehicle hitting another, or a vehicle hitting a solid surface or other object. The reality is that any car accident will entail three distinct impacts:
- The initial crash impact of multiple vehicles colliding or a single vehicle colliding with an object or surface.
- The secondary impact of a vehicle’s occupant’s body striking the interior surfaces of the vehicle and collision with the airbag if they are in the front seat and the airbag deploys.
- The third impact of the victim’s organs within their own body. For example, the brain may strike the inside of the skull due to crash impact forces and cause a concussion.
All three of these impacts can have devastating effects on a car accident victim. However, if you are involved in a crash, you may not realize how badly you are hurt at first. Some internal injuries will not cause noticeable symptoms right away, so it is vital to seek medical attention and have a doctor examine you after any car accident, even a seemingly mild one.
How Can We Prevent Car Accidents?
Every driver has a duty of care to prevent accidents whenever possible. This typically entails driving safely, paying attention to the road, and heeding traffic laws, posted traffic signs, and signals. When drivers fail to operate their vehicles responsibly, they can easily injure themselves and others. Some of the best ways to prevent car accidents include:
- Heeding posted speed limits.
- Avoiding distractions behind the wheel, including cell phones.
- Giving yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go so you do not feel rushed.
- Addressing vehicle maintenance issues promptly.
- Using turn signals when appropriate, such as before making turns and changing lanes.
- Avoiding aggressive drivers and driving defensively.
- Refraining from using drugs or alcohol prior to driving.
Drivers can not only limit their risk of experiencing accidents by following these tips but can also mitigate any potential liability for an accident.
If you recently suffered injuries and other losses from a car accident that you believe occurred due to the negligence of another driver, it is wise to consult a personal injury law firm as soon as possible. You may be able to recover some of your losses with an insurance claim, but there is no guarantee that the at-fault driver’s policy will have enough coverage to fully compensate your losses. A personal injury attorney is your best resource if you are unsure of your options for securing compensation after a car accident.