If you were injured in a car accident, you can bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the negligent party to recover compensation. Financial recovery can assist you with the many different expenses that happen after someone acts carelessly behind the wheel.

Following situations may describe what you have experienced:

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States is distracted driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Distracted driving includes behaviors like talking or texting on the phone, checking emails, scrolling social media, eating, grooming, talking to passengers, pets in the car, and assisting children.

In 2018 alone, 2,800 people died as the result of distracted drivers, while 400,000 were injured.

Drunk Driving

When a driver is intoxicated behind the wheel, they lose the ability to keep a keen eye on the road, understand what is happening around them, and react to sudden changes in traffic. Even if the driver is facing criminal charges for their conduct, you can bring a civil suit to show that their careless driving caused you to suffer damages.

Speeding

Many drivers try to bend the rules by driving too fast even if they know they should not. Even if they are just trying to keep up with the flow of traffic around them, speeding is unacceptable.

One way to prove that the other driver was speeding at the time of the crash is to get a copy of police reports prepared after the accident.

Failing to Yield

At intersections, stop lights, and places of merging, there are well-established rules regarding when one driver must yield the right-of-way to another.

Unfortunately, either due to inattention or carelessness, drivers forget or ignore these rules leading to devastating crashes. Proving that you had the right-of-way at the time of the crash is one way to help show that the other driver is liable for your injuries.

Fatigued Driving

Some drivers get behind the wheel when they should have gotten some sleep first. If you are sleepy behind the wheel, it can be as dangerous as being intoxicated, according to the CDC.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving

From tailgating to shouting out the window, a reckless or aggressive driver can make everyone around them nervous and create dangerous situations.

If you can show the driver was aware of the recklessness in their actions, you may be able to seek punitive damages against them.

Weather and Road Hazards

When inclement weather hits or there are obvious road hazards like fallen cargo or tree limbs on the road, drivers should adjust their speed accordingly. This means traveling slower, potentially turning on hazard lights, and increasing following distances. Many drivers fail to slow down during heavy rainstorms when visibility is low and slippery road ways can lead to serious crashes.

Working with a Lawyer

A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer with our firm can help you pursue compensation from the driver who caused the crash that hurt you and/or your loved ones. If you proceed, your lawyer will help you with all aspects, including investigating your claim or lawsuit, gathering evidence, and more.

Your lawyer will also assist you with calculating the damages you may be entitled to receive. This can include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Property damage

If your injuries are severe, it is important to make sure you seek the compensation that you will need to take care of yourself and your loved ones. To learn more about the common causes of car accidents, contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato now.