You’re a responsible driver.
You make sure to put on your seatbelt and double-check the rear view mirror even when you’re sure you don’t need to. You’re always taking your car to the shop to make sure the brakes are in working order. Sadly, all your hard work can still see you ending up in a crash. Car crashes number the millions in the United States, ranging from minor bumps to multiple-car collisions that take lives. When you’ve found yourself at the receiving end of a bad day, a personal injury law firm can provide you the support you need to get back on your feet once more.
It’s understandable if you’re unfamiliar with the function of a Portland personal injury lawyer and need a refresher on what to do. Continue reading to learn more about car crashes in the United States and what’s expected of you.
Drunk Driving
One of the most consistent hazards Americans face on the road today is drunk driving. This doesn’t just involve the consumption of alcohol while behind the wheel, but any over-the-counter medication or illegal drugs that could compromise reaction timing and put other drivers in danger. A recent study found drugs other than alcohol are involved in over 15% of motor vehicle crashes. Another survey conducted back in 2015 found one million drivers being arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Distracted Driving
If it’s not drunk driving putting other drivers in danger it’s distracted driving. This can be difficult to spot due to its more subtle nature. While the percentage of drivers using handheld cell phones or various electronic devices while behind the wheel decreased by .5% within a year’s span, it’s still common enough to see people turning to their personal injury law firm for help. It takes less than a second to get into a crash, that of which is easily eaten up by attempting to drive and change the radio dial, text or phone.
Vehicle Negligence
Another rampant issue that will require the aid of a personal injury law firm to resolve is vehicle negligence. This is also difficult to spot at a glance, particularly when your attention is more firmly geared toward resolving medical bills or hiring a personal injury attorney. Failing to take one’s car to the shop for a check-up or changing the oil can affect driving performance, increasing the risk of a crash when least expected. Vehicle negligence costs the country billions of dollars in damages, fines and medical fees. Should you suspect this to be the cause of your crash, a Portland personal injury attorney can help.
Driver Fatigue
You’ll want to reach out to a personal injury attorney if you suspect driver’s fatigue to be involved in your crash. This is a term to denote a driver attempting to operate a motor vehicle while exhausted, an issue only slightly less common than vehicle negligence and distracted driving. The Association For Safe International Road Travel (or ASIRT) has concluded over 37,000 American residents die in road crashes every year. Motorcyclists face the highest risk of extreme injury or death, while truck crashes are the most likely to involve other drivers due to their size.
The Benefits Of Personal Injury Lawyers
If this seems like a lot to take in, never fear. Your personal injury law firm is equipped with the resources and the professionals to help you figure out the details of your case. Not only do you need to take into account all the different factors that could have led to your crash, you also need to adhere to local state laws. Oregon traffic laws, for example, state that a vehicle moving in traffic needs to have a turn signal used at least 100 feet before a lane change or a turn. It’s also important to note that the vast majority of personal injury cases are settled pretrial, so it’s highly unlikely your case will see a courtroom.
Even when you’re a responsible driver the worst can happen. Let a personal injury law firm help you continue to do so.