Highway accidents have become a serious issue on our roads despite the numerous measures put in place to curb this problem. Many freeways and major roads in the United States have been reconstructed to meet the needs of every motorist and other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. But even so, highway collisions continue to rise every year. According to crash reports, more than 70 percent of the accidents that happen on the interstate are attributed to drivers’ acts of negligence.
Given the high speeds that cars travel on freeways, the aftermath of an accident can be catastrophic. The impact created at the time of the accident is often so intense that victims are left with life-threatening injuries that require months or even years to heal. Many lose their lives in the process. No person should be subjected to such emotional, physical, and financial torture that arises after being involved in a highway accident. Our Pearland highway accident lawyers are equipped to handle your case professionally to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Improve your chances of succeeding in your case by calling a skilled car accident attorney today.
As we mentioned, driver errors and acts of negligence account for at least 70 percent of all highway accidents. However, this does not always mean that the other driver is always to blame for the crash. There are also instances where a pedestrian, biker, motorcyclist, or a third party may lead to an accident. Either way, the fault must be determined through the help of a seasoned lawyer before deciding to sue the proper responsible parties for a vehicle collision on the highway.
Some of the most common causes of freeway accidents in the area include speeding, unsafe lane changing, tailgating, road rage, distracted driving, and highway racing.
If you happen to drive on the interstate, you are bound to come across speed limits designated for certain sections of the highway. Unfortunately, you will also witness drivers flouting such traffic rules by ignoring the speed limits. They may drive 10, 20, or even 30 mph. over the limit. The higher the speed, the less reaction time a driver has in case of an accident.
Pearland has developed highways designed to accommodate multiple vehicles in either direction. This provides room for a driver to overtake a slower vehicle, exiting to a freeway, or making a turn onto a smaller road. However, not all drivers do so cautiously. When a driver does not use turn signals or check blind spots, an accident may happen.
When driving on a freeway or any other major road, drivers are expected to maintain a safe distance between them and the vehicle in front of them. This allows them to react in time if the car in front were to slow down suddenly. If tailgating at high speeds, an accident can be fatal. Additionally, emotions may run hot for motorists driving at high speeds. In the process, they end speeding past other vehicles to prove a point. Such acts of road rage may lead to a tragic highway accident.
As minor as this might seem to be, distracted driving accounts for a significant percentage of all highway accidents, not only in Pearland but also across the United States. Any second spent replying to a text or making a call is enough to cause a fatal crash.
While the interstate provides drivers and other motorists with an opportunity to move at high speeds, some drivers take advantage of this to engage in street or highway racing. This is helped by the existence of modernized vehicles equipped with parts to enhance acceleration. Any slight error in the process can be catastrophic. Unlike the movies, these dangerous stunts often result in serious injuries.
There are two major ways through which an attorney can help you recover monetary compensation for your damages after a highway accident. They are negotiating with your insurance company and going to trial.
Immediately when the accident occurs, you are likely to receive a call from your insurance company or the defendant’s insurance company. In some cases, they will even give you a settlement offer. However, you should never accept any terms without consulting with your lawyer. Your attorney understands what the proper value of your pain and suffering is, and he or she will engage the insurance company in a negotiation process to try and obtain a favorable settlement.
If negotiating with the insurance company does not resolve the case, your legal counsel will prepare for the legal battle in a court of law. Here, the jury will listen to both parties and make a final ruling based on the evidence presented before the court. The biggest advantage of going to trial for your accident case is that a jury of your peers decides the proper value for your case, not an insurance company.
If someone else caused your highway accident and you’ve suffered injuries, it is advisable to file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company. Our Pearland highway accident lawyers can help you recover a maximum settlement from the defendant. To discuss the legal options available for you, call us today to schedule a free consultation.