Lakehurst Car Accident Lawyers
Lakehurst Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents are generally caused by some type of careless or negligent behavior, including distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and reckless driving. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, car accidents can range from minor fender benders that do not cause any injuries to catastrophic head-on collisions that cause devastating injuries and fatalities. Even if you obey the rules of the road and take every safety precaution when you are behind the wheel, you can be involved in a serious car accident when you least expect it if another motorist in the vicinity is speeding, talking or texting while driving, or engaging in any other negligent driving behavior that increases the risk of a serious car accident.
If you are injured in a car accident that was caused by another motorist, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Lakehurst Township car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC will discuss the details of the accident, help you navigate the claims process, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?
Every type of car accident has the potential to cause injuries, although the more severe the accident, the more likely it is that the driver and the other occupants in the vehicle will suffer serious, even life-threatening injuries. The following are examples of the most common types of car accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: These are the most common types of car accidents. They occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. In the vast majority of cases, the motorist who rear-ends the other driver is considered at fault for causing the accident. These often occur at relatively low speeds and do not generally cause serious injuries. However, whiplash is a common injury that can lead to chronic pain if it is not properly treated.
- Sideswipe Accidents: This occurs when one vehicle brushes against the side of another vehicle. Oftentimes, these occur when one motorist drifts into another lane, or fails to check their blind spots when merging or changing lanes. Like rear-end accidents, sideswipe accidents do not generally cause serious injuries unless a motorcyclist is involved.
- Side-Impact Accidents: Also referred to as a T-bone accident, this is when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, usually at a high speed. These are extremely dangerous accidents because the sides of vehicles do not have the same reinforcements as other parts of the car, so they often cause very serious injuries and fatalities.
- Head-On Collisions: These are also extremely serious accidents that cause massive property damage, severe injuries, and fatalities. They usually happen when a motorist accidentally veers into oncoming traffic, or drives down a one-way street or highway ramp. In most cases, the motorist who drove in the wrong direction is considered at fault.
- Rollover Accidents: These usually occur when a motorist is driving too fast when approaching a turn or a curve in the road. Pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents than other vehicles due to their higher center of gravity. Rollover accidents can also cause very serious injuries and fatalities.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of car accidents are caused by negligent driving behaviors, including the following:
- Distracted Driving: Talking or texting on the phone, putting on make-up, reaching for something in the back seat, or adjusting the radio are all examples of distracted driving, although the use of smartphones is the most problematic. A moment of distraction can have devastating consequences if there are other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists in the vicinity. Distracted driving accidents are entirely preventable if you keep your attention focused on the road at all times.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving: If you are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this can cause a range of impairments, including slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and poor judgment. This can make it difficult to slow down or stop in time to avoid hitting another car, a cyclist, or a pedestrian.
- Speeding: All motorists are expected to be aware of and obey the posted speed limit. Driving too fast is not only a traffic violation, but it can also increase the severity of the accident and the resulting injuries due to the extreme force of impact caused by a high-speed collision.
- Drowsy Driving: Despite the fact that extreme drowsiness can cause symptoms that are similar to drunk driving, including slower reaction times and reduced coordination, people do not take drowsy driving as seriously.
- Aggressive Driving: This includes tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, cutting off other drivers, and sending rude gestures to other drivers. Aggressive driving can escalate to road rage, which can be extremely dangerous.
What Types of Injuries Do Car Accidents Cause?
Car accidents can cause a range of injuries depending on the type of accident and the speed at which the vehicles involved were traveling. The following are examples of common car accident injuries:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chest injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident?
If you have never been involved in a car accident, you may be unsure about what to do in the moments following the accident, which can be quite stressful and chaotic. The following are helpful tips to keep in mind that will help make the ordeal much less stressful:
- Call 911. The first thing you need to do is report the accident by calling 911. Dispatch will send a police officer to the scene, as well as an ambulance if there are injuries. The responding officer will fill out a police report, which may include information about which driver caused the accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention. It is crucial that you are examined by a healthcare professional, even if your injuries do not seem very serious. This will ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. If you fail to get medical attention, your injuries could become more serious and difficult to treat. In addition, this may have a negative impact on a personal injury claim.
- Collect evidence. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, skid marks on the road, and any other evidence that can help establish fault. Get a statement from any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
- Exchange information. Share driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver. Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, as this can be used against you in the claims process.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. It is highly recommended that you speak to a car accident lawyer, particularly if you suffered serious injuries and you intend to seek damages by filing a personal injury claim.
Lakehurst Township Car Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Represent Victims of All Types of Car Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact the Lakehurst Township car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. With offices located in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients across New Jersey.
Manasquan, NJ
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