How to Win Your Personal Injury Case After a Motor Vehicle Accident
The last thing you want to be involved in is a motor vehicle accident. Apart from the danger of sustaining injuries, filing cases is a hassle. As much as possible, you would not want to get involved in vehicular accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s statistical projection of traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2022 shows that an estimated 9,560 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. This represents an increase of about 7% compared to 8,935 fatalities projected to have occurred in the first quarter of 2021.
In addition, this also represents the highest number of fatalities in Quarter 1 since 2002. Preliminary data reported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shows that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the first 3 months of 2022 increased by about 40.2 billion miles or about a 5.6% increase.
Causes of Vehicle Collisions
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, some of the common causes of vehicle collisions are:
- Unsafe speed
- Driver distractions
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Improper turns
- Violation of the right-of-way rules
- Violation of stop signals and signs
- Cellular telephone use
Drunk driving is a major contributing factor to motor vehicle crashes in California. In 2021, there were over 22,000 alcohol-involved crashes in the state, resulting in over 1,100 deaths and almost 8,000 injuries.
Distracted driving is also a major cause of motor vehicle crashes in California. In 2021, there were over 75,000 distracted driving crashes in the state, resulting in almost 3,000 injuries and over 40 deaths.
Meanwhile, an individual may file any personal injury claims based on the following:
- Auto accidents: When an individual is injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident due to negligence, he can claim personal injury against the driver who caused the accident.
- Slip and fall accidents: These claims arise when an individual is injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, such as a wet floor or a broken step.
- Medical malpractice: When a healthcare provider fails to provide adequate care, and an individual is injured as a result, the latter may sue the said provider.
- Defective products: These claims arise when an individual is injured due to a defect in a product they were using.
- Dog bites: These claims arise when an individual is bitten by a dog and suffers injuries as a result.
- Wrongful death: These claims are brought by the family of an individual who has died due to the negligence or wrongful act of another party.
Increase Your Chances of Winning Your Case
If you have been injured due to the negligence or wrongful act of another party, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. It is important to speak with a personal injury attorney to determine the best action for your particular situation.
Here are some steps you can take to increase the chances of winning your case:
After the accident, seek medical attention immediately.
Your health and well-being should be the priority after an accident. Apart from recovering from your injuries, seeking medical treatment creates a record of your injuries and the treatment you received.
Document the accident.
It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include taking photos of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries you sustained. You should also write down the details of the accident while they are still fresh in your mind, including the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Keep track of your damages.
In a personal injury case, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including receipts and invoices.
Don’t accept a settlement too quickly.
It’s common for insurance companies to offer a settlement soon after an accident. However, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement. An attorney can help you understand the full value of your claim and ensure that you are fairly compensated.
Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer.
An experienced accident attorney can be a valuable ally in your case, can help you build a case, create a strategy and explain to you how to win your personal injury case after a motor vehicle accident. An attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance company and present your case in court, if necessary. Look for an attorney with a track record of success in personal injury cases.
If you or a loved one find yourself in an unfortunate situation, such as a motor accident that somebody else caused, you can count on our personal injury experts at Ayuda California to be there for you as you claim compensation.
We are a team of accident attorneys, doctors, and case and litigation specialists. We will fight for you to get the best medical care and the money that you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7. We speak English, Spanish, and Filipino.
