Car Accidents in Hyattsville
Car accidents continue to be an unfortunate reality, even though today’s cars are safer than ever. While the safety technology has made significant advances, inclement weather, human error, and other factors still make car accidents an ongoing problem.
Depending on the nature of the wreck, traffic accidents can cause varying degrees of property damage and injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. By following the rules of the road and making safe choices every time you get behind the wheel, many of these accidents can be avoided.
Types of Car Accidents
There are many types of car accidents that take place on quiet roads, parking lots, residential areas, and busy highways. Typically, the faster the vehicles are travelling, the more severe the accident. But even minor fender benders can cause injuries like whiplash.
The following are examples of some of the more common types of car accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur most frequently, however, they tend to cause minimal property damage. They are usually caused by a driver who is following too closely to the car ahead.
- Low Speed Accidents: These accidents occur when motorists are not paying attention to their surroundings. Because they typically happen when cars are travelling below ten miles per hour, property damage is usually minimal. While injuries to motorists are unlikely, if a pedestrian is hit, even at a low speed, it can cause serious injuries.
- Single Vehicle Accidents: These involve one driver who loses control of his or her vehicle, either due to inclement weather conditions, debris on the road, or breaking too hard to avoid something in the road. If the car hits a tree, a building, or a divider, it can result in serious injuries.
- Sideswipe Accidents: When one car hits another vehicle that is merging into traffic, or changing lanes without looking, it can cause a sideswipe accident.
- T-Bone or Cross Traffic Accident: These are often caused by one driver who fails to yield to oncoming traffic, or who runs a stop sign or red light.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Even with the safety technology that is available in today’s cars, occupants can suffer a range of injuries, ranging from minor to life-threatening, including the following:
- Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can require long-term medical care.
- Back injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in nerve damage, chronic pain, muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries, but other, more serious neck injuries can be debilitating.
- Chest injuries: Blunt force trauma to the chest can cause broken ribs, organ damage, and abdominal injuries.
- Arm and leg injuries: Common injuries include cuts, lacerations, bruising, and broken bones. In extreme cases, the injury may result in a severed limb.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Many car accidents can be prevented if motorists avoid some of the following common traffic accident causes:
- Distracted Driving
- Drowsy Driving
- Drunk Driving
- Poor Weather Conditions
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Tire Blowouts
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, knowing how to handle the situation can make things much less stressful as you move forward.
Remain calm and keep the following helpful tips in mind:
- Move to a safe area (if possible).
- Check on the other drivers involved.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Seek medical treatment.
- Collect evidence by taking pictures of the accident scene.
- Exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved.
- Get medical attention if you sustained even minor injuries.
- Notify your insurance company.
Hyattsville Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for All Car Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact the Hyattsville car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We will determine who is at fault for your injuries and fight to secure the maximum financial compensation you may deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent injured victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.