In the United States, there are a considerable number of accidents that occur every year. As a result, many individuals sustain injuries that result in their being hospitalized. In some instances, these injuries may cause temporary or permanent disability. while in others, death may occur.
The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
There are, of course, different types of personal injury cases. These, however, tend to be among the most common situations where someone would likely need the services of a personal injury attorney:
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Wrongful death
It’s important to note that motor vehicle accidents are somehow involved in 52% of the personal injury cases that occur.
Personal Injury Cases That Relate to Car Accidents
On an annual basis, recent data shows that there are approximately six million car accidents that occur throughout the United States. Due to these accidents, three million people sustain some type of injury. Both drunk and distracted drivers have been involved in a large percentage of these accidents. Before their first arrest, the average drunk driver will have operated their vehicle while in this condition about 80 times. On a daily basis, however, people drive drunk nearly 300,000 times. Less than 4,000 drunk drivers are arrested every day.
In general, drunk drivers are more distracted than those that aren’t operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Other undesirable behaviors associated with distracted driving include operating hand-held devices such as cell phones and other electronic equipment. Distracted driving has been the cause of a considerable number of injuries. Furthermore, in 2015 alone, it claimed the lives of 3,477 people.
When Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’re asking the question, “When do I need a personal injury lawyer?” then you may be interested in obtaining some general information. However, if you or someone in your family has been injured or suffered a wrongful death, it is a good time to contact a personal injury law firm for a consultation. This is because the question, “When do I need a personal injury lawyer?” is best answered when an attorney has the necessary details about your and/or your family’s potential case.
When a personal injury lawyer determines that you do have a case, they will proceed accordingly. It’s important to note that most of these cases are settled out of court. This can assist with sparing you and your family the ordeal of a court trial. In the event that your case does need to go to trial, or your attorney believes that this is the best course of action in your situation, they will be there to guide and assist you throughout this process.