There are thousands of accidents on the roads every day in the US; some minor and some major, but all scary and upsetting in their own way. The best thing you can do is to avoid getting in an accident altogether but sadly, it’s not quite as simple as that. Accidents happen, that’s just the way it is. In this article, you will find information about car accidents, common causes of them, and how to deal with one, should you be unfortunate enough to find yourself caught up in a collision. 

Car Accidents Are Common

As mentioned, unfortunately, car accidents are incredibly common. When you take a look at car accident statistics in Maryland, you will see that sadly automobile accidents are the leading cause of death, with most deaths in the younger age groups (25-29 years old). Intersections and crossroads are some of the most dangerous types of road, causing more collisions than anywhere else.

Mistakes Drivers Make

The statistics also show that alcohol is one of the single biggest factors involved in car crashes in this country. Without a doubt, there is no excuse for drunk driving. Alcohol severely impairs motor skills, reaction times, and concentration - a dangerous cocktail for someone operating a vehicle.

Another common cause of accidents is simple distractions. Using a mobile phone at the wheel, for example, which has been outlawed in countries like the UK, but is still commonplace in the US, is a huge distraction that can lead to serious incidents. Even something as simple as changing the radio station can take your eyes off the road for too long. Concentration is key. If you aren’t focusing whilst driving, you put yourself and others at risk. 

If You Are Involved in an Accident:

There are a few key tips and steps to follow if you do happen to be involved in an accident. Following the guide below will help you get the best treatment and insurance payout possible after a collision. If you are unfortunate enough to have a car accident, follow the below:

Stay at the Scene

Firstly, never leave the scene after an accident. Whether it was your fault or not, the best thing you can do is stay at the scene. Driving away from the scene is not only an admission of guilt - if appropriate - but is also a danger to anyone else who was hurt in the accident. Leaving the scene could result in criminal prosecution.

Call the Cops

Call the emergency services as soon as you can. The police will need to attend the scene to gather evidence and start to record the details of the accident. They will speak to you, other drivers, and any witnesses at the scene to ensure that they get the best picture of what happened. This evidence could be key later on, so always get the police involved.

Find a Lawyer

Whether you are seriously hurt or not, at this point you need to find an auto accident specialist lawyer. These lawyers are experts in the field of personal injury and car accidents and so they are best placed to help you move forward and build a case. Find a lawyer who is experienced and that you trust, as they will be fighting for you throughout the process. 

Claim on Insurance

You must notify your insurance company of your collision right away. They will help you claim for damages to your car and potentially medical bills, depending on your cover. This is an essential step, regardless of any further legal action you may be taking. Be careful, some insurance companies have a time limit on how quickly you must notify them of any damage to your vehicle, so move as quickly as possible to ensure your claim is made.

Claim Against the Guilty Driver

If your legal team believes the other driver, a poorly maintained road, or any other factor other than you caused your accident, they will help you sue for damages. They can also help you get further payments from your insurance if the claim is not substantial enough. Your lawyers will use the evidence from throughout the case to help them seek a settlement from the opposition party. Hopefully, this money can help you get over any serious injuries or mental health issues that have occurred as a result of your accident.

Avoiding accidents is ideal. If you can’t, then make sure you follow these steps post-incident. Hopefully, you will receive adequate insurance and settlement payouts. This money may not heal your injuries, but it can certainly help you move forward after an accident.