Every year, almost four million people are involved in accidents that require hospitalization. While some accidents are not the fault of anyone, many accidents are caused by the negligence of another person. In these situations, suing for damages is often good recourse for victims. Here are a few of the major ways you can know if you should call a lawyer.
Intoxication, Poor Maintenance and Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents injure thousands of people every year in the United States. In most cases, a two-vehicle accident is caused by the negligent actions of a single driver. Many different factors can contribute to negligence.
Intoxication is one of the easiest ways to assign blame in the event of a car accident. If a driver was intoxicated when he or she crashed into your car, responsibility for the crash will usually fall on that driver.
Intoxicants include alcohol, marijuana, opiates, sedatives and much more. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), there are at least 4,393 substances, both legal and illegal, that can impact an individual’s judgment, cognition and motor skills.
The use of some legally-prescribed medications can also contribute to a car accident. Medications like Xanax, Vicodin, Ambien, Lunesta and many others can leave an individual dizzy and unaware of his or her surroundings. Drivers under the influence of these substances who cause accidents are liable for damages and injuries they cause.
Buildings and Negligence
Injuries that take place on private or public property may be the result of negligence. If an injury takes place on public property, it may be the fault of the local, state or federal government. For example, imagine that a subway entrance has several stairs that are at different heights. If an individual breaks his or her ankle while climbing these stairs, the city government may be legally liable for injuries.
Likewise, injuries that take place on private property can also expose the property owner to legal liability. If a retail store is negligent in the way it maintains its public areas, an individual who is injured in these areas may be entitled to a claim under the law. You will need a competent lawyer, from offices such as Cummings Andrews Mackay LLP in Edmonton, or others in your area, in order to recoup your losses due to injury.
However, there are some limitations to this law. If an accident is considered to be an act of God, no individual will bear responsibility for the accident. In these situations, an individual will not be able to make a claim.
Since navigating the world of accident liability can be very difficult for most people, it’s important to contact a law office for help. If you are injured, a lawyer can help you get the funds you deserve.
About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica Oaks loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
