The average American drives tens of thousands of miles each year. Since it is an essential part of our daily lives, it is easy to take safety on the road for granted. The cases that they’ve successfully handled have given them insight into the realities of the road. The roads and highways can be dangerous places, but knowing what to do and what not to do can reduce many of the dangers. Keep these things in mind to keep yourself and your family safe on the road.
- Distracted Driving is Dangerous Driving
Our team has represented many clients who were injured at the hands of distracted drivers. Distracted driving includes activities like making phone calls, sending text messages, and consuming food items behind the wheel. You may be surprised to learn that distractions cause more accidents than any other circumstance in the United States. With so much going on behind the wheel already, minimizing distractions is critical to road safety.
- Speed Limits Are There for a Reason
Injuries caused by speeding drivers are a frequent reason people need a car accident lawyer in Iowa. Speeding is such a problem that it is the third leading cause of accidents in the United States. Driving at high speed significantly reduces the driver’s time to react to unexpected occurrences. Additionally, going too fast makes it far more difficult to navigate turns and tight corners. This is especially true at night or in less-than-ideal weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice.
- Driving While Intoxicated Can Be Deadly
If there is one behavior that is unacceptable under all circumstances, it is drunk driving. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol drastically increases the odds of serious injuries and fatalities. Drunk drivers make the road a more dangerous place for us all.
- Know Your Rights Is Important
After a traumatic accident, it is normal to feel disoriented and confused. If you were hit by a cab driver, you may be unsure of what your rights are. Can you seek compensation? If the other driver is at fault, or if you were a pedestrian, then odds are, you do have a right to seek compensation. You have a right to medical attention, insurance information, and monetary compensation.
- You Should Seek Medical Attention After an Accident
Your priority after an accident should be to receive medical attention. Make sure that you keep a record of all of your medical bills and all costs associated with your injuries. Your reports from medical doctors can be used to prove the damages that were caused during the accident.
If you do not need to be transported to the hospital, you should still seek medical attention shortly after the accident. Some injuries will not manifest with symptoms until later. Shortly following an accident, you may still have a lot of adrenaline in your system which can make it more difficult to determine how injured you are.
- Obtaining Insurance Information Is Important
Most cab drivers are required to carry their own insurance. This insurance should protect them against damages and injury. The cab company also carries insurance for the vehicle. Most cab companies have fleet insurance to cover passengers and other costs. After the accident, you should collect the insurance from the cab driver.
- You May Be Entitled to Monetary Compensation
If you were struck by a cab, there are three types of damages that you can seek compensation for. These damages include economic damages, noneconomic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are the damages associated with your financial loss. If you have medical bills, lost income, property damage, or other personal care costs, you would take the sum of those costs. Noneconomic damages, on the other hand, include mental distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and other less tangible damages.
Punitive damages are damages that the court awards to punish the defendant in the case. For example, if the driver acted maliciously, he or she may be ordered to pay punitive damages.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
Car accidents can be scary and stressful. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, we can work with you to achieve the maximum amount possible in your personal injury claim. Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury law so we know exactly what you are going through when dealing with insurance companies after car accidents occur. Des Moines Injury Law has over 20 years of experience helping people just like you who need help recovering from their injuries after getting into car accidents. Call our Orlando personal injury lawyer today!
