While cars are seemingly part of the American dream, they are killing one of us every few minutes. Dozens more are injured in serious car wrecks nearly every minute of every day, with over six million collisions occurring annually, according to Driver Knowledge. If you are one of these injured victims, know that you are not alone. The attorneys here at MichieHamlett are here to help you hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions.
How Most Car Crashes Happen
Nearly all traffic collisions can be avoided. If all motor vehicle drivers simply drove the speed limit, kept off their phones, and drove with the most basic amount of respect for other road users, we could eliminate almost all motor vehicle collisions. Sadly, this is nowhere near reality, as speeding, distracted driving, and road rage are at all time highs. Most collisions occur because of one, or multiple, of the following:
- Distracted driving—Using a cell phone or GPS, eating or drinking, adjusting the music, and daydreaming are prime examples of distracted driving. Nearly all drivers engage in distracted driving every time they get behind the wheel of a car.
- Aggressive driving—This includes speeding, tailgating, making rapid lane changes, cutting others off, speeding through yellow and red lights, and engaging in road rage;
- DUI—Driving under the influence of alcohol causes nearly one in three road fatalities;
Damages in a Richmond Car Crash Claim
Over 800 people die in traffic collisions per year in Virginia, according to the Insurance Information Institute. While fatalities are relatively rare, serious injuries are not; thousands of people suffer fractured limbs, brain injuries, paralysis, and damages to their bodies that will last the rest of their lives, manifesting in chronic pain, immobility, and loss of joy of life. As a victim, you are able to sue for the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses;
- Future projected medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Lost earning capacity;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Emotional distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Property damage; and
- More.
The family members of fatally wounded traffic victims have the right to pursue damages in a wrongful death claim, and recover many of the same damages.
How We Will Prove That The Other Driver Was Negligent
Never trust that the other party will admit to their errors. In fact, even if they are clearly at fault, they, or at least their insurance company, will attempt to deny liability or decrease the value of your claim. In order to hold them accountable, our attorneys work with police, witnesses, private investigators, crash scene reconstruction professionals, and expert witnesses to ensure that they are held accountable for their negligence.
Call a Richmond Car Accident Attorney Today
You should not have to suffer the financial hardship of a serious injury that was caused by the distracted or aggressive driving of another person, who decided to put their entertainment or timeliness ahead of your very life. To ensure that you are not bankrupted by the collision and your injuries, we encourage you to work with the experienced Richmond car accident lawyers at MichieHamlett. Call us to schedule a free consultation today.