Handling Motor Accidents - An In-Depth Overview

Photo by Nate Isaac

No one ever expects to be involved in motor accidents. But unfortunately, they happen every day. And when they finally occur, the outcomes can be destructive.

You may walk away from the accident with only minor injuries if you're lucky. But for some people, the injuries can be life-altering. They may require months or even years of physical rehabilitation. And in some cases, the victims may never fully recover.

In addition to the physical pain and suffering, motor accident victims often face financial hardship. Medical bills can quickly pile up, and many people cannot work while recovering from their injuries. This can put a tremendous strain on families and relationships.

If you've been involved in a motor accident, it's significant to learn how to manage the accident, especially in seeking legal advice from an experienced lawyer. Read on to understand how to handle motor vehicle accidents properly and get insights in case you or a loved one experienced an accident.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

What is a car accident? Motor vehicle accidents or car accidents can take many different forms, but they all have the potential to cause serious injuries. Here are the common types of motor vehicle accidents:

Car Accidents

Car accidents happen when two or more cars hit each other. Car accidents happen for many reasons, such as human error, weather conditions, and car malfunctions. All these car accidents caused many problems, such as car damage, personal injuries, and even death. About 6 million car-related accidents occur yearly in the United States. These car accidents cause around 50,000 deaths each year. Car accidents are also a leading cause of personal injury.

photo by fsHH

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents happen when riders collide with another vehicle or object or are thrown from their bikes. Though motorcycles make up a small percentage of total vehicles on the road, they're involved in a disproportionate number of accidents. Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and 5 times more likely to be injured.

Several factors contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents, including rider inexperience, speeding, and alcohol use. Motorcycles are also less visible than cars, making it more difficult for other drivers to see them.

Truck Accidents

A truck accident occurs for various reasons. Most commonly, they are caused by driver error, mechanical problems, or adverse weather conditions. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to meet tight schedules, which can sometimes lead to them taking risks on the road. Additionally, trucks are subject to a lot of wear and tear, and mechanical problems can often go unnoticed until it's too late.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen in several ways. Most commonly, they occur when a car strikes a cyclist from behind or when a cyclist collides with an obstacle in the road. However, they can also happen when a cyclist loses control of their bike and crashes or when a car door is opened into the path of a passing cyclist. Bicycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even death.

Bus Accidents

Photo by LT Chan

Bus accidents are unfortunately quite common. They occur when a bus collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. Bus accidents can happen for various reasons, including driver error, mechanical problems, bad weather, or even negligent maintenance. Bus accidents often result in property damage and injuries, sometimes even fatalities. While most bus accidents are not fatal, they can still cause serious injuries that may require long-term medical care.

Boat Accidents

Boat accidents can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, they are caused by bad weather or poor visibility. Other times, they are the result of operator error. Boat accidents can also be caused by mechanical problems or hazards in the water. Regardless of the cause, boat accidents can be severe and even fatal. That is why it is so important to use caution when operating a boat and be aware of your surroundings.

Passenger Van Accidents

Passenger van accidents are collisions that involve a van that is carrying passengers. These accidents can occur in several ways but are most often caused by driver error. For example, a driver may be distracted and fail to see another vehicle in their path. Or, a driver may be speeding and lose control of the van.

Weather conditions or poorly maintained roads can also cause passenger van accidents. In some cases, the negligence of the van's owner or operator can also contribute to an accident. Whatever the cause, passenger van accidents can often result in serious injuries or even death. That's why it's so important for drivers to exercise caution when operating these vehicles.

Pedestrian Accidents

Photo by Anatoli Idetov

Pedestrian accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. They can happen when a pedestrian is hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk, crossing the street at an intersection, or walking in a parking lot. In most cases, the vehicle driver is at fault for the accident. Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even death. Pedestrians and drivers should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents.

9 Things to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

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1. Stop

One of the most important things to do is to stop your car as soon as possible. This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people try to drive away from the scene of an accident. Not only is this illegal in most states, but it could also make things worse if you're injured.

2. Protect the Scene

After being involved in a motor accident, it is critical to protect the scene to prevent further injuries and to preserve evidence. When an accident occurs, debris and other objects can often cause additional harm if not removed or secured.

3. Immediately Call the Police

It is vital to call the police immediately. The police will document the accident and interview any witnesses. This information will be essential if you need to file an insurance claim or file a lawsuit.

4. Make an Accurate Record of the Incident

The experience of being in a car accident can be traumatic. It is essential to make an accurate record of the incident as soon as possible. This will ensure that you have a clear and concise account of what happened, which can be used if you need to make an insurance claim or take legal action.

5. Take Photos Right After the Accident

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It is always a good idea to take photos right after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. This is because the photos can be used as evidence to show what happened and who was at fault.

6. Exchange Information

After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, exchanging information with the other driver is essential. This includes your name, address, phone number, and insurance details.

7. Seek for Medical Attention

After an automobile accident, even if you feel fine, you should visit a doctor or the emergency department. That's because some injuries, such as whiplash, may not cause pain or other symptoms for hours or even days. And, if not treated promptly, some injuries can lead to long-term health problems.

Internal bleeding, for example, may not be apparent immediately but can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. So, if you've been involved in a car accident, it's always better to avoid caution and get checked out by a medical professional. It could save your life.

8. Keep All Accident-Related Documents

A car collision can be a stressful situation to be in. There's often a lot of confusion in the aftermath of an accident, and it can be challenging to remember everything that happened. That's why it's essential to keep all accident-related documents, including the police report, insurance paperwork, and any bills or receipts related to the accident.

Photo by Felicity Tai

9. Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. One of the most important decisions you can make is hiring an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. An attorney will work with you to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong compensation case. They will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for the maximum settlement possible.

In addition, an attorney can help you understand your options if you’ve been injured and are facing mounting medical bills and lost wages. Hiring an attorney after an accident is one of your most important decisions. Don’t go through it alone—let an experienced attorney guide you through this difficult time.

How an Experienced Motor Accident Lawyer Can Help?

photo by Steward Masweneng

Being involved in any motor vehicle accident is a confusing, overwhelming, and stressful experience. If you're lucky, you walk away from the accident with no injuries and only minor damage to your vehicle. However, many people are not so fortunate. In addition to painful injuries, they may face significant financial burdens from medical bills and missed work.

The good news is that experienced motor accident lawyers can help. An attorney can handle all the paperwork and dealings with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They can also investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and fight for the maximum compensation possible. If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident, don't try to go it alone. Contact an experienced attorney who can help you get your life back on track.

Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

Motor accidents are a leading cause of injuries in the United States. Millions of people are killed or hurt in car accidents each year. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is significant to seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

Motor vehicle accidents can have many short-term and long-term effects, including severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even death. At OUCH USA, our skilled attorneys can ensure you receive the money you are entitled to while assisting you in understanding your rights and options. Don't wait to get the help you need - email us at hello@ouchusa.com or call us at +1-844-872-6824 for an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer today.