Car Accidents Overview

The severity of car accidents can range from minor inconveniences to life-altering events. In many cases, an auto accident ends up being a minor fender bender with little or no damage to either vehicle and no bodily injury. Unfortunately, in many other incidents, car accidents can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries or even death.

Types of Auto Accidents

There are numerous possible scenarios for a car accident. Common types of auto accidents include:

• A single automobile
• Two or more passenger cars, including sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks
• One or more cars and an 18-wheeler
• One or more cars and a motorcycle
• Several big rig trucks
• Any type of motor vehicle and a pedestrian
• Any type of motor vehicle and an animal

Auto Accident Injuries

In any of the above situations, there is a chance of injuries occurring. Although each auto accident and its results are different, typically motorcycle riders suffer more serious injuries from less severe accidents than the occupants of other motor vehicles in crashes of similar severity. This is because these drivers do not have the added protection of a motor vehicle and its safety features, such as seatbelts, airbags, and crumple zones. Occupants of passenger cars involved in accidents with large, commercial trucks like 18-wheelers are also at risk for greater injuries. Regardless of the type of vehicle, injuries that may result from an auto accident can include whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries, cuts and bruises, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), paralysis, coma, and death.

Victims' Rights

Victims of car accidents who have sustained injuries due to the recklessness or negligence of others have the right to pursue compensation and receive damages for their injuries. In many cases, victims will have to fight to get compensation for their medical bills, property loss, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other costs. Many insurance companies will try to give victims less money than they are entitled to receive. Because of this, it is important for car accident victims and their families to speak with a personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney experienced in auto accident litigation. A knowledgeable lawyer can help victims recover the money to which they are entitled.