Auto Accident Lawyer

More than 38,800 people – drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians — lost their lives because of a car accident in 2019.  Another 4.4 million suffered injuries serious enough to warrant medical treatment.

The Killino Firm’s auto accident lawyers have a successful record helping the victims of negligent drivers obtain the compensation they deserve, earning national recognition for our aggressive pursuit of justice on behalf of our clients. If you or someone you love was injured in a motor vehicle crash caused by another’s recklessness, and you would like to speak with an attorney, please contact our law firm toll-free by calling 877-875-2927.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Using a smartphone, changing the radio station, eating, applying makeup, or engaging in any other activity that takes attention off the road is the leading cause of auto accidents in the United States.
• Speed: High speed is the second leading cause of car accidents. Drivers who travel at excessive speeds will have more difficulty controlling their vehicles and won’t have the reaction time to stop suddenly in an emergency.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving Under the Influence contributes to about 30% of the traffic fatalities reported in this country every year. While alcohol is the most common cause of DUI crashes, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, prescription drugs, and some over-the-counter medications also contribute to fatal automobile accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving – braking sharply, accelerating abruptly, racing spontaneously, driving between lanes, making illegal U-turns, driving toward oncoming traffic, or careless lane switching- causes thousands of preventable auto accidents every year.
• Running a Stop Sign or Red Light: Running a red light or stop sign causes roughly 28% of the fatal crashes that occur at intersections every year. Nearly half of those deaths involve the occupants of other vehicles, and 5% involve pedestrians or bicyclists.
• Driver Fatigue: Fatigue, whether due to lack of sleep or a long, monotonous drive, impairs cognition and performance behind the wheel. Drowsiness also worsensreaction time, awareness of hazards, and the ability to sustain attention, tripling the risk of a crash.
• Harsh Weather Conditions: Every year, close to 6,000 people die in crashes caused by adverse weather conditions. Rain and wet roads account for about 73% of the bad weather accidents that occur annually, while snow and sleet account for 17%, icy roads cause 10%, and fog contributes to 3%. Motorists driving in severe weather are expected to maintain lower speeds and take other precautions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, broken concrete, exposed rebar, sinkholes, and road cracks can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading to a crash or rollover accident.
• Auto Defects: Power steering failures, unexpected airbag deployments, tire blowouts, ignition cut-offs, brake failures, and other auto defects are often the direct cause of a crash. Certain defects, including airbag failures and collapse-prone roofs, can worsen the injuries that result from an accident.

 Common Vehicle Injuries

Injuries stemming from car accidents may range from mild to severe depending on a victim’s position in the vehicle, how the car was hit, whether or not occupants wore their seatbelts, and other factors.

Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries and occurs when a sudden stop causes the neck to “whip” back and forth. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, loss of range of motion, and worsening of pain with movement.
• Concussion: Car accident victims can experience a concussion if their head was hit or jolted about during the collision. Symptoms may include headache, head pressure, temporary loss of consciousness, seeing “stars,” dizziness, or ringing of the ears, as well as difficulty with concentration, memory, or focus. The signs of a concussion may not manifest for a few hours.
• Bone Fractures: Vehicle accidents can also cause broken bones from blunt force trauma or compression. Broken ribs, skull fractures, and fractures of the extremities — arms, hands, legs, and feet — are the most common.
• Internal Bleeding: The victim of a car accident may experience Internal bleeding if they suffer trauma to the head, torso, or abdomen. Internal bleeding is a potentially life-threatening problem that demands immediate medical attention.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Musculoskeletal injuries can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves in any areas of the body that were stretched, compressed, or bent during an accident. Depending on the severity, these injuries can be just as painful and debilitating as a bone fracture.
• Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial, total, or temporary paralysis.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Car accident victims face a higher risk of emotional and psychological problems, especially PTSD. These individuals may continually re-experience the crash through intrusive thoughts or distressing dreams, actively avoid situations they associate with the accident, and be emotionally detached, irritable, or easily startled.

It’s wise to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after a car crash, even if you don’t believe you were hurt, as symptoms of a concussion, internal bleeding, and other injuries are not always immediately apparent.

Who is Liable for an Auto Accident?

In most cases, the driver responsible for the car accident is liable for any injuries and damages caused by the crash. However, if the at-fault driver does not own their vehicle, victims may be entitled to damages from the car’s owner.

When a trucker or other commercial driver is responsible, injured parties might be able to pursue claims of negligent supervision, negligent hiring, or negligent training against the at-fault driver’s employer.

Other possible defendants in an auto accident lawsuit include:

• Manufacturers of defective automobiles or components.
• Government entities that failed to maintain the roadway.
• Contractors hired to maintain the roadway.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today

The Killino Firm’s auto accident lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and resources to ensure those responsible for your family’s pain and suffering are held accountable. To speak with an experienced car accident attorney today, please contact our law firm toll-free at 877-875-2927.