The first time your 19-year-old daughter had an accident while she was away at college she was very fortunate. With only a little damage to her car and none to the other vehicle, the accident did not even require a police report. Not anxious to reporte to the insurance even though the accident was the other driver’s fault, you were able to get the repairs completed through the generosity and commonsense of the driver who admitted that she had tried to make it through a yellow light. Misjudging both the timing and the distance, the other driver was able to avoid a head-on collision with someone who had already started through the intersection. Unfortunately in avoiding that head on collision she had instead side swiped the front end of your daughter’s car.
The Decision to Involve a Lawyer After a Car Accident Might Save You Pain, Suffering, and Expense Later
Your daughter, however, was not as fortunate the second time she had a car accident during her first year away at college. Initially, you were relieved to find out that she did not think she was hurt. Her car, on the other hand, was another story.
This time, a driver who was texting while driving ran through a red light and turned into your unsuspecting daughter. Completely caught off guard, your daughter was relaxed right until the point of impact and therefore suffered no immediate injuries from the deployed airbag. Thankful that she wasn’t hurt, your daughter refused the initial offers to go in for a medical evaluation. Fortunately, a good friend explained to you that it was imperative that your daughter go in and get checked out even though she thought she was perfectly fine.
As it turned out, some back pain that she had the next day ended up being a result of the accident. Your daughter initially thought that she was just sore from a difficult college gymnastics workout earlier in the day. An x-ray, however, indicated that some bruising that was just now starting to show, was likely a result of the fast fall back into the seat after lurching forward.
Although it may not initially seem necessary, consulting an attorney in a personal injury case is often a wise decision. Layers and injury attorneys may be able to make sure that clients are anticipating future scenarios that might include physical therapy and other rehabilitation services.
Distracted driving is responsible for as many as 16% of all car crash fatalities. And while many drivers get lucky when they are texting while they are driving, the reality is that five seconds is the average time a driver’s eyes are off the road when they text. If traveling at 55mph, that five seconds is enough time to cover the length of an entire football field blindfolded. Unfortunately, at any given daylight moment in the U.S., as many as 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while they are also driving. In fact, 67% of smartphone owners use their devices at least occasionally for specific navigational directions while driving. Additionally, 31% saying that they use their cell phones for navigation directions ?frequently.?
Could a Lawyer Help You Cover the Costs of a Recent Car Accident?
Because 3,154 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in the year 2013 alone, working with a lawyer who may be able to access the phone records of the offending driver can help you prove fault in an accident that caused the loss of your loved one. For the 424,000 people injured in an accident caused by distracted driving, consulting a lawyer could be even more important. A well versed personal injury lawyer may be able to help clients get the settlement they need to cover current and future medical costs, including any days away from work or the cost of hospital, doctor, or rehabilitation bills.
While it is only second nature to feel relief for what might not have happened in a car accident that was not your fault, wise clients also understand the importance of seeking legal advice to make sure that they get the settlement they may need for future problems. After an accident, call an attorney is recommended.