Car Accident
Practice areas
Car Accident Lawyers
Our Team Is Here when You Need Us Most
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 38,800 Americans died in traffic-related accidents in 2019. An additional 4.4 million people sustained accident-related injuries that were significant enough to warrant medical attention. Although these numbers represent a slight decrease from previous years, they are still alarmingly high.
In the vast majority of cases, car accidents are entirely preventable. They happen because people are careless, reckless, or negligent—often with catastrophic results. If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident and you believe someone else was at fault, reach out to our legal team at Dunk Law Firm. Since 2004, we have been committed to fighting for the rights of victims of negligence, including those who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones in motor vehicle collisions. Our goal is to help you fight for justice and seek the full, fair recovery you are owed so that you can focus on getting the critical care you need to heal.
Determining Liability in Car Accident Cases
As is the case in nearly all personal injury claims, liability is a key element of your car accident case. Liability is typically tied to fault—the person (or entity) who was at fault for the accident is generally the one who is also legally liable for the victim’s injuries and damages. Therefore, in order to bring a successful claim, you will need to demonstrate that the other person caused the accident and that this led to your losses.
While car accident laws vary from state to state, most states do not require you to prove that the other driver was entirely at fault for the accident in order to recover compensation. Depending on whether the state you live in/where the accident occurred follows comparative or contributory negligence rules, you could be entitled to recover compensation even if you were partly to blame for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. A car accident attorney at our firm can help you understand the law in your area and how it applies to your unique case.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Because fault is so important to your claim, it’s important to determine exactly what caused your car accident. This helps our car accident lawyers identify who was to blame and, therefore, who is legally liable for your damages.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents throughout the United States include:
- Excessive speed
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Traffic law violations
- Inexperienced drivers
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Unsafe passing
- Vehicle defects
- Defective road construction or design
All of these actions are indicative of negligence. And when someone is negligent, and this negligence leads to you being injured or losing a loved one, you have the right to take legal action.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident
After a car accident, there are several important steps you should take. Not only are these steps critical for your health, well-being, and physical recovery, but they are also invaluable to the success of your potential future claim.
The first thing to do if you are involved in any car accident, whether it is minor or major, is to seek medical attention for your injuries. You might believe that your injuries are insignificant and don’t require a professional examination—go to the doctor anyway! In the immediate aftermath of the accident, you may not realize the full extent of your injuries, and they could worsen over time. But, if you don’t see a doctor after the accident, the insurance company could use this as proof that you weren’t really injured or that your injuries were not serious.
Make sure that you follow all of your doctor’s orders regarding your recovery. Attend follow-up appointments, go to physical therapy, take all prescribed medications, and follow all recommended steps for healing. This is important for your health, and it proves that you are doing everything you can to get better.
You’ll also want to obtain copies of your medical records from your doctor. This is incredibly helpful in building your claim, as it establishes clear documentation of your injuries and the recovery process.
At the scene of the accident, if you are able, be sure to get the other driver’s contact information, including their name, phone number and/or email address, as well as their insurance information. Take pictures of your vehicle and your injuries and, if possible, talk to any witnesses who saw what happened. Take down their names and phone numbers, as well as a brief statement of what they witnessed.
Lastly, you’ll want to contact an experienced car accident attorney if you were injured in the crash. Your attorney will work with you to submit your claim and gather evidence in support of your case. Your attorney will also work with the insurance company so you don’t have to, working to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Helping You Fight for the Recovery You Deserve
A car accident can lead to serious, life-altering injuries, leaving you facing new and unexpected challenges. You might be dealing with mounting medical bills, even as you are out of work due to your injuries. If your injuries are disabling, you may never be able to return to your old job or find any form of gainful employment to provide for yourself or your family. Additionally, you are likely coping with significant pain and suffering, trauma, and emotional distress as you attempt to navigate all of these challenges.
Here at Dunk Law Firm, our car accident attorneys are devoted to helping car accident victims fight for the maximum recoveries they are owed. We can help you build a case aimed at securing full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. We genuinely care about you and your future; we are ready to use all of our resources, experience, and skill to aggressively advocate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Questions Should I Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer?
How Much Are Lawyer Fees for Personal Injury?
What Is Fair Compensation for Personal Injury?