A car accident is a traumatic experience in the short term, but the long-term impacts can be even more devastating when it comes to injuries, damage to your mode of transportation, and your ability to work. There are ways that you can receive compensation after a car accident depending on the cause of the accident and how that impacts you.
Car Accident Statistics to Be Aware Of
As much as you would want to believe that a car accident can’t happen to you, it is important to understand that many car accidents happen each year. According to the CDC, more than six million car accidents happen each year, leaving as many as three million people with some type of injury. The most common causes for car accidents include drunk driving, speeding, and reckless driving. There has also been a significant uptick in distracted driving within the past decade due to the use of smartphones in the car.
What if You Are in an Accident?
If you find yourself the victim of drunk, reckless, or distracted driving, it is important to know what to do. If you have suffered any injuries due to the accident, it is important to get immediate medical attention, documenting your injuries and medical treatments along the way.
Once your health and safety are taken care of, the next task is to take care of your car. Many accidents lead to minimal damage to a vehicle, which can be taken care of with a call to your insurance company. However, if you are in a crash that leads to significant damage or declaring your car totaled, you will need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to make sure you have damage documented. You should also review your policy to see what type of coverage you have.
Getting the Compensation You Need
Being the victim of any type of car accident is stressful enough. If you are also dealing with medical issues and a lack of transportation because of it, there are people out there that can help. Hiring a professional such as a drunk driving accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need from either the parties at fault, their insurance company, or your own insurance company if claims have been denied when they shouldn’t have. You don’t have to go through this process alone. There are professionals that you can work with to get what you need to get your life back on track.
Author information: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @
