An Ohio car accident lawyer explains this troubling trend
Speeding and drunk driving are just two of the risks some people continue to take, and this dangerous behavior resulted in a spike in the number of road deaths in the first quarter of 2021.
That’s according to a Washington Post report examining estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency reported a 10 percent increase in road deaths in January through March 2021, compared to the same time in 2020.
What are the top causes of motor vehicle crashes?
The NHTSA highlighted two factors that led to an increase in crashes earlier this year: driving too fast and intoxication. They are in the top 5 list of common causes of car accidents.
Others include:
- Distracted drivers: Motorists using their phones to text or watch videos, operate onboard entertainment systems and eat while driving, to name a few distractions. Anything that diverts the driver’s attention away from the road—even for just a split second—can increase the risk of an accident.
- Reckless driving: Examples include weaving between lanes or tailgating another driver. Some drivers lose control of their emotions, which leads to road rage.
- Fatigued driving: Drivers sometimes get behind the wheel when they are too tired to operate a vehicle. A drowsy driver loses reaction time and can be as dangerous as a drunk driver. Some drivers might fall asleep behind the wheel and cause a serious accident.
What are common types of car accidents?
In Ohio and across the country, accidents happen every day. Some of the common types of accidents that can lead to serious injury and even death include:
- Read-end collisions, which occur when the front end of one car strikes the rear of another. A rear-end car accident can lead to catastrophic injuries, especially if speeding is involved.
- Head-on collisions, which occur when two cars moving in opposite directions collide. These types of crashes are almost always serious and often fatal.
- T-Bone accidents in intersections, which happen when one car strikes the side of another, forming a T shape. They can happen when someone runs a stop sign or red light or turns left and fails to give the right of way to the oncoming car.
What to do if you're involved in a crash
Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to major injuries. Sometimes, an accident victim might feel OK in the moments after a crash. But an injury such as whiplash or a concussion might not be immediately apparent and could turn worse hours or even days later.
If you or a loved one is in an accident, seek immediate medical attention. Let a medical professional examine you and follow the doctor’s orders.
Insurance companies will look at your medical appointments after the accident. If you fail to see a doctor or ignore advice, you will be sending a message that the injury is not that serious. The insurance company may use that to challenge or deny your claim.
Call an attorney to learn your legal rights and options
An experienced car accident lawyer knows that even when injury victims seek medical help, they run into insurance company roadblocks. Insurers sometimes deny claims, arguing the injury was pre-existing, or that the accident was the victim’s fault. Other times, insurance adjusters downplay the severity of your injuries and pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer so they can save money at your expense.
You can fight back with a highly skilled attorney on your side. At Gervelis Law Firm, our attorneys know how to build compelling cases for maximum compensation and deal directly with the insurance company so you don't have to. We leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice, and we will aggressively advocate for the compensation you need and deserve.
To find out how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation with an Ohio car accident attorney. We have offices conveniently located in Toledo, Columbus, Akron, Warren, and Canfield.