After an auto accident, you may be wondering if you should sue the other driver. You may be feeling overwhelmed and need help figuring out where to turn. You may also be wondering how common it is for people to sue after an accident.
The answer to that last question may surprise you. While it's not as common as you might think, many people still file a lawsuit after an accident. This blog post will explore why people use it and how often it happens.
Car accidents happen far too often. In 2015, there were over six million car accidents in the United States alone. That averages out to over 16,000 accidents per day.
Out of those six million accidents, nearly two million resulted in injuries, and over 35,000 resulted in fatalities.
Several factors contribute to the high number of car accidents each year. One is the sheer number of vehicles on the road. In 2015, 263 million passenger cars and trucks were on U.S. roads. With that many vehicles on the street, the chances of accidents happening increase exponentially.
Another factor contributing to the high number of car accidents is distracted driving. Any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the duty of driving is considered distracted driving.
Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, fiddling with navigation systems, and changing the radio station. Distracted driving is hazardous and increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident by three times.
If you've been involved in a car accident, you may wonder how common it is for people to file lawsuits afterward.
The response varies depending on the facts of each case, but in general, lawsuits are only sometimes brought after a vehicle accident.
Most cases are settled out of court between the two parties involved, with only a tiny percentage going to trial.
Several injuries can occur due to a car accident, but some are more common than others. Whiplash is a frequent injury when the neck and head are abruptly pulled forward and backward.
This can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae in the neck and can lead to pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Other common injuries include broken bones, bruises, cuts, and scrapes. These can all be minor injuries that will heal with time, but they can still be painful and disruptive.
In more severe accidents, traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries can occur. These damages can have lifelong implications and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Recovery from a car accident can take weeks, months, or even years. The most critical factor in determining how long it will take to recover is the severity of the injuries sustained.
Minor injuries may only require a few days or weeks to heal, while more severe injuries could require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Most people in car accidents experience some degree of pain and suffering. This could be minor discomfort that goes away within a few days or more severe pain that lasts for weeks or months.
Many people also suffer from emotional trauma after an accident, which can add to the recovery time. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Once your injuries have been treated, you can focus on your recovery and return to your everyday life.
An automobile collision may have far-reaching and long-lasting psychological consequences. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional problems. These psychological effects can sometimes lead to physical issues, such as headaches or insomnia.
Car accidents are a leading cause of PTSD in the United States. Per the National Center for PTSD, around 7% of individuals will have PTSD at some time in their lives. After an automobile accident, women are more likely than males to suffer PTSD.
Many factors can contribute to the development of PTSD after a car accident. These include the accident's severity, whether you were injured, witnessed the accident, or lost someone in the accident.
If you have experienced any of these things, it's essential to seek professional help to deal with the emotional aftermath of the accident.
It is relatively rare for someone to be sued after an automobile accident. It is standard. Many factors contribute to this, but the fault is the most critical factor. Who is at fault for the accident will often determine who gets sued.
If you are found to be at fault, you may be liable for damages caused by accident. This means that you could be sued by the other driver or by any passengers in their vehicle.
Conclusion
How common are lawsuits after an auto accident? While every case is different, you must know that you have options available if you've been injured in a car accident.
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the legal process and what to expect.