An auto accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. A reckless or negligent driver can turn your world upside down and walk away, leaving you to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial damages. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and unintentional injury in the United States. Millions of people are injured and killed each year in traffic accidents. During the past decade, thousands of people have been injured and killed in traffic accidents in Knox County.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident in middle or eastern Tennessee, contact our Knoxville auto accident lawyers for a free consultation. Call Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC at 865-292-2307 now to speak with an attorney.
Common Types of Knoxville Auto Accidents
There are many types of auto accidents; however, some collisions are more common than other types of accidents. However, regardless of the type of collision, if the other driver is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Even if you believe you are partially to blame for the collision, you should still consult with an attorney to determine if you are entitled to some compensation for your damages.
- Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are extremely common traffic accidents that usually occur as the result of following too closely and/or distracted driving. The best way to prevent tailgating is to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, slow down, and avoid distractions. It is important to remember that serious injuries can result from a low-impact rear-end collision. Always see a doctor regardless of whether you believe you are injured or not.
- Failure To Yield Right of Way
Also referred to as T-bone, side-impact, or broadside accidents, failing to yield the right of way accidents commonly result when a driver turns left in front of another vehicle. We see these types of collisions at intersections. Some drivers are simply not paying attention while other drivers may be trying to “beat” traffic. Unfortunately, these types of collisions are likely to result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
- Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot accidents account for about 20 percent of the total accidents each year. Drivers in a rush to “beat” another driver to a parking space or drivers who fail to look before backing out of a parking space cause most parking lot accidents. However, distracted drivers who are not paying attention also cause a large percentage of parking lot collisions.
- Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most fatal types of car accidents, especially when there is a disparity between the vehicles such as a car versus a motorcycle or a commercial truck versus a car. Most head-on collisions result when one driver crosses the center line into oncoming traffic; however, head-on collisions can also be the result of a rear-end collision pushing the front vehicle into oncoming traffic.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Multi-vehicle collisions are common on highways and interstates where traffic is congested. Collisions involving multiple vehicles can also be extremely dangerous and deadly due to the tons of crumpled metal that prevents people from escaping and/or emergency responders from assisting trapped victims.
Common Causes of Traffic Accidents
Traffic accidents cause horrific injuries and result in thousands of fatalities each year. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Driver error is the most common cause of traffic accidents; however, some accidents can be the result of factors that the driver is unable to control such as the weather or road conditions. Defective automobiles and/or automotive parts are also common causes of traffic accidents.
The top reasons for traffic accidents attributed to driver error are:
- Speeding and/or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (i.e. texting, eating, grooming, talking on the phone, etc.)
- Drunk driving or drugged driving
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield right of way and/or running stop signs/traffic signals
- Aggressive driving/road rage
If another driver has been negligent in causing a car accident, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your losses, damages, and injuries. However, you have a limited time to file a claim. Contact our office now to discuss your legal rights with a Knoxville auto accident lawyer regarding a car accident.
Injuries Sustained in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Injuries in car accidents vary from person to person. Two people can be involved in the same type of auto accident in similar vehicles, but suffer different injuries. However, some injuries are more common than other injuries due to the nature of a traffic accident. The impact of the vehicles results in great force that jerks and throws the vehicle occupants back and forth. This can cause several injuries, including spinal cord and back injuries, shoulder injuries, whiplash, head injuries, and chest injuries.
As metal crumples and items are thrown around, puncture wounds, fractures, and broken bones are common. Internal bleeding, damage to internal organs, and amputation are other common injuries. When the spinal cord is injured, paralysis can result. Unfortunately, a relatively minor car accident can result in permanent disabilities and death. There is no way to know how severe injuries may be in a car accident because the factors and circumstances for each collision are different.
Contact A Knoxville Auto Accident Lawyer For A Free Consultation
When another driver causes a collision, the accident victim has the right to seek compensation. Compensable damages from a car accident include lost wages, medical bills, property damages, physical pain, and emotional suffering. To protect your right to receive a fair and full settlement, you need an experienced Knoxville auto accident lawyer on your side.
If you have been injured in a traffic collision, protect your rights by hiring an attorney with the experience, resources, and skills necessary to fight big insurance companies. Call Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC at 865-292-2307 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with a Knoxville auto accident lawyer.
