Negligence of Other Drivers
The unfortunate reality is that the greatest threat on the road is often other drivers. Driver negligence accounts for more accidents and more deaths than any other cause. There are so many different ways that drivers can act negligently when operating their motor vehicles and all of them can be extremely dangerous.
For example, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, driving while drowsy or fatigued, or driving distracted as all common examples of driver negligence. Speeding, particularly in bad weather conditions, is often an example of recklessness. All of these actions are dangerous, illegal, and cause hundreds of deaths every year.
Distracted Driving is Still A Huge Problem
Distracted driving is becoming a major concern for highway safety. As the use of cell phones has increased, so has the number of auto accidents involving distracted drivers. Although the campaign to stop texting and driving is in full swing, cell phone use is not the only form of distracted driving.
Any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary task of driving is a distraction and endangers the driver, passengers, and others on the roadway. Distractions also include everyday tasks that many of us engage in all the time, such as eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, using a GPS and adjusting the radio or other electronics.
Dangerous Road Conditions Contribute or Cause Accidents
While driver error is a major cause of auto accidents, there are other factors that play a substantial role in causing auto accidents, as well. Roadway defects and engineering and design problems attribute to auto accidents as well. Furthermore, many hazardous road conditions can make, what would have been a minor crash, a much more serious event. Failure to properly maintain roadways is another common cause.
Defective Motor Vehicles Cause Accidents or More Severe Injuries
When vehicles have defective parts, were improperly designed, or were not maintained as necessary, the machine itself can be the cause of a treacherous auto accident. No doubt, you have heard about the major cases against auto manufacturers for some of the following:
- Fuel system malfunctions
- Rollovers
- Airbag malfunctions
- Seat belt malfunctions
- Defective tires
- Acceleration problems
These manufacturers, as well as auto dealers, rental companies, and drivers all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their vehicles and must be held accountable when the reasonable standard of care has not been met.
How Much Can You Recover in a Car Accident Case?
The amount of compensation you may recover after a car accident depends on the type of damages you suffered. Each claim is different, both factually and with regard to which laws apply to your claim. The most important element used in determining the value of a car accident claim is the nature and seriousness of your injuries. Our Rogers car accident attorney can help you determine the potential value of your car accident claim.
Roger Car Accident Attorney Can Explain Settlement Options
If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, there are two ways to receive compensation for that injury. You can either settle the case out of court or obtain a judgment from the court. Although a jury verdict in a civil lawsuit would likely result in a larger recovery, jury verdicts are never guaranteed. Indeed, most car accident cases settle before trial and our Rogers car accident attorney can help you make that decision.
Knowing When to Accept a Settlement Offer
Of course, the goal of settlement is to negotiate for the best possible amount of compensation. However, there may be times when it makes more sense to accept a settlement that is much less than a potential recovery in court. For example, if your chance of proving the elements of your claim in court seems very uncertain, taking a settlement might be the best strategy. This is where our Rogers car accident attorney can be extremely helpful.
If you have questions regarding car accidents or any other personal injury matters in Arkansas or Missouri, please contact the Cottrell Law Office for a free consultation. You can contact us either online or by calling us toll-free at (888) 616-6356.
Wesley Cottrell
Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.
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