Understanding Negligence for Car Accidents. Negligent Driving Can Result In Injuries or Death

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To drive a car it is good, but to drive safely it’s perfect. All people know how many deaths and injuries cause automobile accidents. Car accidents give rise to the majority of personal injury claims in the U.S.

General Motor Vehicle Accidents Statistics (2009) presents the following statistics: 

According to U.S. Census there were 10.8 Million Motor Vehicle Accidents and 35,900 Deaths.

According to National Safety Council there were 3.5 Million Non Fatal Injuries, 18.4 Million Vehicles Involved and  $244.7 Billion Total Motor Vehicle Related Costs.

According to  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA, every 10 seconds, someone in the United States is involved in a car accident.

Legal claims which appear from motor vehicle accidents are usually governed by negligence law. The concept of negligence was developed under English Law and emerged as an independent cause of action in the 18th Century. Negligence is defined as “Conduct that falls below the standards of behavior established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risk of harm”.

Generally, drivers should exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. Negligence is considered a failure to use reasonable care. To exercise reasonable care means:

• to obey all signs and traffic signals
• to signal when turning
• not to drive above or below the posted speed limit
• to be fully alert when operating a vehicle and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• to account for weather conditions and operate the vehicle safely
• to avoid excessive lane changes
• not to use your mobile phone or other device to talk or text while driving

If the negligent person fails to exercise reasonable care he can be required to pay for caused damages.

If you was hurt or your property was damaged when you will fill a lawsuit. So,  you must be prepared to:

1. Prove that the defendant was negligent 
2. Demonstrate that the negligence directly caused the accident 
3. Prove that the accident is what caused your injuries

You can prove this to the Court by:

• Retaining a good attorney who will develop a theory of liability
• Obtaining a copy of the police or accident report
• Having an in-depth knowledge of the state traffic laws where the accident took place

Need legal help? If you or a loved one has suffered negligence causing personal injury, find a local personal injury lawyer to assist you with your case on Legal Bistro.