Pennsylvanians are fortunate to have a robust system of local roads, highways, and interstates that makes travel easy and rapid. Such mobility allows Pennsylvanians to live further from where they work and to engage in an array of social, professional, and recreational activities. One might say that the availability and accessibility of personal vehicles like cars, trucks and SUVs defines the character of our society. In fact, the car and the open road have always had an undeniable association with freedom and following your passion in everything you do.
However, the convenience and utility of cars and trucks is somewhat dampened by the risk of injury that comes along with driving or riding in a vehicle. While the majority of trips are completed successfully and without incident, when an accident does occur the consequences are often severe. Safety advances in recent years can mitigate a crash, but the physics behind a high-speed crash involving vehicles weighing thousands of pounds will invariably produce violent forces that can cause serious injury. When injuries are inflicted due to inattention, negligence, or recklessness by the other driver the experienced personal injury lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm may be able to fight for you.
What are the Reasons Behind Serious Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Despite their relative commonality, motor vehicle accidents are actually the converging of a complex set of factors and circumstances including the vehicle speed, vehicle size, driver behavior, traffic configuration, road conditions, weather, and many other factors. However, there are certain factors and characteristics that contribute to these accidents more often than others. Some common reasons behind or contributing to accidents include:
- Fatigued driver – A tired driver does not perceive threats and change roadway conditions as quickly as a rested driver. Furthermore, a fatigued driver does not react as quickly to roadway hazards. A fatigued driver increases the accident risk for all drivers on the road.
- Aggressive driver – Drivers who act as if they are the only car on the road endanger all other motorists and passengers. Rapid lane changes, un-signaled lane changes, speeding, tailgating, and failure to obey traffic signals are dangerous practices.
- Vehicle defects – Defects in vehicles are unfortunately all too common. The Takata airbag defect, GM ignition switch defect, and Toyota unintended acceleration glitch are but a few of the problems that can cause undesired operation in a car or truck. These defects can linger on the roadways for years or decades until the vehicle is repaired or replaced.
- Distracted driver – A driver who does not have his or her eyes on the road is a driver who cannot perceive threats and cannot take appropriate action to avoid the danger. Cell phones, in-car entertainment systems, bickering children, and many other things can divert the focus and attention of the driver.
Unfortunately the foregoing reasons for accidents are only a few of the causes that can contribute. Factors can come together in an array of scenarios and circumstances.
Are Certain Injuries Common After a Crash?
The particular injuries produced in a car wreck are the product of the forces involved, the characteristics of the individual, the type of accident or collision, and many other factors. Some injuries that are relatively common following a serious car accident include:
- Broken bones – A broken or fractured bone is always a serious injury. However, broken bones can range in severity from a simple break to a compound or complex fracture. Broken bones can take a year or more to recover from depending on the injury, individual, and any other medical complications.
- Burns – Thermal burns are certainly possible if fuel leaks and is ignited. However, both friction burns and chemical burns can also occur in a crash. Burn injuries are particularly painful and require specialized treatment to recover from.
- Traumatic brain injury – TBI injuries can be life threatening and cause life-long consequences. Potential effects of a TBI injury can include reduced information processing, increased aggression, confusion, difficulty understanding abstract concepts, and many other cognitive and social problems.
- PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur after a violent or life-threatening situation. PTSD causes physical changes to the brain. While PTSD can be treated, the road to recovery is often long and difficult.
Unfortunately, the above represents only a few of the potential injuries one can suffer in a car accident. If your accident and injuries were caused by a careless or negligent driver, the personal injury attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm may be able to fight for you.
Rely on Our Car Accident Personal Injury Experience in Warminster
The experienced and strategic lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm are committed to fighting for the victims of careless, reckless, or intentional behavior. To schedule a free and confidential car accident injury legal consultation call our firm at (215) 709-6940 today.
