Every year in America fatalities caused directly by motor vehicle accidents number in the tens of thousands, making car wrecks consistently among the leading sources of accident deaths annually. There are many factors that can play a role in a car crash, but in most instances the negligence of a driver, automobile manufacturer, or other party is the proximate cause. You may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit against the responsible entity that can gain you the financial compensation that you need to address the costs of medical care necessitated and other damages associated with your accident.
An investigation into the causes of a car accident will usually be conducted by the police, highway patrol, or other authorities on the scene and insurance companies may also deploy claims investigators to evaluate the situation. Unfortunately, these investigations do not always attain the level of depth necessary to ensure that all of the appropriate elements have been considered. A skilled and experienced wrongful death attorney, however, can help to give you confidence that all avenues have been exhausted in the effort to secure justice for your loved one who was tragically killed in an accident that could have been prevented had another person or company been suitably cautious.
Fatality Factors
Despite the substantial advances that have been made in automotive safety over recent decades, the physical realities of highway collisions and even surface street accidents at lower speeds are such that the drivers and passengers who are involved face a significant risk of serious injury or death. At speeds of 20 miles per hour or greater, the body is not naturally equipped to handle the force of impact. Moreover, the weight of the vehicles and the conversion of parts and windows into projectiles or sharp edges turn the vehicles themselves into hazards.
Though the variety of things that could conceivably be involved in a fatal car accident seems essentially limitless, there are a number of factors that appear most often. These include:
- Highway defects
- Automobile defects and malfunctions
- Air bag failures
- Brake malfunctions
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Excessive speed
- Reckless driving
- Driver error
Knowing Your Rights
As you attempt to put the pieces together after the sudden and unexpected loss of your loved one, it is important that you know your legal rights.
