Many people assume that they are immune to certain tragic events, including car accidents. Getting into a car crash is unprecedented unless the person in question is a rash or drunk driver. Nevertheless, 6.7 million car accidents take place every year in the USA alone. Besides, data from World Health Organization reveals that road accidents constitute the leading cause of injuries in young adults. If you, unfortunately, find yourself in the middle of a car crash, there are specific steps you can take to minimize the damage. These entail calling for help and medical attention and contacting a car accident injury lawyer Kansas city mo if it suits your location.
Here is some factual information everyone should know when it comes to car accidents.
Possible Causes Behind Unexplained Car Accidents
A car crash may leave you baffled at first, but there can be diverse causes behind it, and not all of them result from overspeeding by reckless drivers. A lot of crashes occur because one of the parties was under the influence of drugs. It is noteworthy here that DUI accidents usually fall under criminal offenses, unlike other car accidents. You can visit here to learn more about DUI car accident cases. As per a 2016 report, drinking alcohol before driving amounted to 28% of all motor vehicles crashes. Studies demonstrate that marijuana users are also 25% more likely to be involved in a road accident.
Other reasons can include not using safety equipment such as seat belts and child restraints. Some drivers may be distracted while driving, such as texting on a mobile phone or filming a video on camera. In different situations, neither party is responsible for the accident. Rather than the drivers, it is the failure of local authorities or the government. For instance, not displaying a warning board or sealing the area when construction work is going on can mislead people and result in fatal accidents.
Likewise, inadequate administration of traffic laws and regulations also proves to be dangerous for passengers. If people find themselves free to ignore traffic lights, switch lanes midway or drive without seatbelts and helmets, a haphazard situation can result. Lack of accountability also amounts to similar circumstances because it insinuates that authorities will not take serious notice of the violations.
Fatalities and Injuries in Car Accidents
The chances of getting in a motor vehicle crash are considerably lower than the likelihood of dying in it. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that only 1 out of 107 car accidents prove fatal. However, it does not mean that the rest 106 times, people resume their daily activities scratch-free. They are often left with life-threatening injuries and mental shock.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Spinal Cord Paralysis (SCP) are some severe conditions that may result. Many drivers and their families or friends also suffer from bone fractures and internal damage, such as hemorrhage. In some cases, the crash may be so intense that it leaves them hospitalized for months. Surgical amputation may be required for limbs.
Hence, car crashes can render physical, mental, and financial consequences. To deal with the sudden economic pressure of car repair, medical expenses, and lost employment, most people consult lawyers for bringing legal charges against the parties responsible.