Traffic Accidents

Baltimore, Maryland

In 2006 alone, approximately 6.7 million traffic accidents occurred across the United States. Almost every accident resulted in injuries from mild to severe, and more than 40,000 of those crashes caused fatalities. Automobile accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents occur every day. Often, the reason for these accidents is negligence on the part of the other driver.

Understanding Negligence

Negligence is a primary cause of traffic accidents. Driver negligence can happen because the driver is:

• Distracted
• Simply not paying attention
• Under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Speeding
• Driving carelessly
• Failing to obey the rules of the road

To claim negligence, it must be proved that:

• A duty was owed (the duty of the negligent driver to control his or her vehicle at all times)
• The driver at fault breached that duty (by driving carelessly, while intoxicated or otherwise)
• An injury was caused
• The driver’s breach of their duty caused the injury

Other conditions that may cause traffic accidents include:

• Traffic congestion
• Road construction
• Unexpected debris or object in the roadway
• Sunlight glare
• Tourist’s unfamiliarity with the roads

Many individuals injured in traffic accidents call their insurance company first. Many never even contact a lawyer. Either one of these actions can be a big mistake. Calling your insurance company first may cause you to unwittingly give away some of your rights. Failing to contact an attorney may mean you will lose out on any compensation and other vital rights to which you are entitled under the law. Insurance companies hire lawyers to protect their financial interests; it is in your best interest to seek legal advice before it is too late.

Whether the other driver’s negligence was intentional or accidental is not an issue. Due to this negligence, you may be confronted with numerous unexpected issues, including:

• Significant damage to your vehicle
• Temporary or permanent injury
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Lost current or future wages
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Wrongful Death

Pursuing Your Traffic Accident Claim

When driver negligence causes a traffic accident, this is grounds for a lawsuit and you may be entitled to compensation. It is unwise to attempt to deal with your insurance company without the assistance of a qualified traffic accident attorney. Your insurance company won’t reveal this information, but the knowledgeable traffic accident attorneys at The Yost Legal Group understand personal injury law and will work closely with you to investigate the facts, build your case and aggressively pursue your rights.

Please contact The Yost Legal Group to schedule your free traffic accident consultation.