 Transportation accidents include any accident resulting from the collision of one or more vehicles including automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, subways, airplanes and boats. It is important that everyone works to prevent such accidents by taking simple safety precautions. If you have already been involved in an accident, it is important that you understand the laws surrounding such accidents so that you may be able to recover compensation from the responsible party. The following information, provided by a Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia car wreck attorney, will educate you about transportation accidents and how to prevent them.
Prevention of Transportation Accidents
Transportation accidents are very common, yet often preventable. To prevent transportation accidents and/or minimize any injuries sustained from such accidents, follow these simple guidelines:
- Pay attention to your driving at all times
- Do not talk on a cell phone, read, apply makeup, or engage in any other activity while driving
- Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you feel you are too tired to drive
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Always wear your seat belt
- Be aware of your surroundings and check your side view and rear view mirrors prior to switching lanes
- Always use your turn signal when making a turn or switching lanes
- Obey all posted speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals
- Allow an adequate following distance (typically, at least two car lengths) between you and the car in front of you
- Be courteous toward other drivers and avoid drivers who display aggressive tendencies, such as swerving, tailgating, or driving at excessive speeds
While you cannot avoid all accidents, following the above guidelines will lower your risk of becoming involved in a transportation accident.
Recovering Compensation for Transportation Accident Injuries
Drivers are liable for damages resulting from negligence while operating a motor vehicle. Negligent activities that often lead to transportation accidents include:
- Inattention to road conditions
- Inability to signal properly when switching lanes or making a turn
- Talking on a cell phone, which is illegal in Washington D.C.
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Running off the road or out of the proper lane
- Failure to properly maintain vehicle
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective vehicle equipment
- Other vehicle operator negligence
If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by the above activities, or by any other negligent activities, you may have spinal cord, traumatic brain or other types of injuries and are entitled to be compensated for any injuries that you have suffered. Such compensation is available for:
- Medical bills, including emergency room fees, surgical procedures, and any other hospital costs
- Lost wages resulting from your injury
- Costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death, including loss of companionship and loss of financial support
- Other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident
What to Do If You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a transportation accident, it is important that you immediately seek medical attention. In addition to consulting a physician, you should record the following information as soon as possible to ensure that you fully remember the details of your accident:
- The location, date, and time of the accident
- All parties involved, including any witnesses to the accidents
- Description of the vehicles involved, including the make and model of each vehicle
- The injuries that you have sustained, including any minor injuries
- Insurance information for the other driver(s) involved in the accident
Recording this information will enable you to more accurately recall any details of your accident during trial, as well as aid you in correctly relaying any information to your attorney.
If you have been injured in a transportation accident in the Washington D.C. Metro area, it is important to contact a Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC car accident lawyer who can assist you in pursuing your claim. If you are in need of assistance, the personal injury attorneys at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P. are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your accident.
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