By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Hal Armstrong, Esq | Last reviewed May 30, 2022
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Every day, millions of Americans get behind the wheel of their vehicles and drive. Americans drive to work, for leisure, and to run errands. Vehicles are important for individuals to get around, especially in a places where there aren't good public transportation options. With so many Americans on the road daily, it shouldn't be a surprise that accidents happen. Accidents can vary, with their impact ranging from minor property damage to serious injuries with massive property damage.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2.7 million individuals were injured as a result from motor vehicle accidents in 2019. Chances are, you may have been involved in an accident already or know someone that has. This article provides information on obtaining legal help so that you can receive compensation after an accident.
Anyone who has been through a motor vehicle accident knows that it can be a traumatic experience. Whether the accident involved a car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle, you have the right to take legal action against any person, company, or entity that is responsible—including private citizens, stores, manufacturers, insurance companies, large corporations, and government agencies.
A common legal claim in motor vehicle accidents is based on negligence. Negligence focuses on the conduct of the defendant. Drivers are required to operate their motor vehicles with reasonable care under the circumstances. If drivers fail to act with reasonable care, they may be considered negligent. For example, a defendant failing to stop at a stop sign is negligent because they failed to follow traffic signs, which is both unreasonable and a violation of state law.
Another legal claim called “negligence per se" is based on the violation of state or federal laws. If the defendant violated a traffic law, and the plaintiff was the class of people designed to be protected by the statute, the defendant may be liable for negligence per se. In other words, the defendant acted negligently because they violated the statute.
In the above example, running a stop sign is negligence per se. As another example, drunk driving also is negligence per se because states have laws designed to prevent drunk driving and these laws were designed to protect the public.
If you have suffered an injury because of someone else's carelessness, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who will evaluate your case to ensure that your legal rights are fully assessed and protected. An attorney can explain what you can expect at every step of your personal injury case.
Your lawyer will take action on your behalf, including researching the law, interviewing witnesses, collecting records, conferring with expert consultants, planning legal strategy, and negotiating with insurers and opposing counsel, all with an eye toward strengthening your position and ensuring your fair recovery.
If you've been injured in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, it's always a good idea to consult with an attorney who's experienced in auto accident law before deciding on a course of action. That way, you'll understand the strength of your claim and the next steps involved. Call an experienced injury attorney located near you.
Contact a qualified auto accident attorney to make sure your rights are protected.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.