Even when you are doing everything in your power to be careful living your life, the carelessness of someone else can lead to a complete disaster. From the inattention of a professional truck driver to the lack of attention to detail at a property, the way that someone else acts can lead to a problem that can cause you injury or loss of property, and sometimes life. For these times when someone else’s carelessness effects your life it is important that you get the legal advice that allows you to understand all of the available options.
In case of an injury, there are many times when the guilty party will offer a quick settlement in an effort to avoid taking full responsibility for the damage that they have caused. For this reason, it is even more important that you seek out your own legal counsel. From the decision to report an accident while you are at a casino or to speak with a lawyer if the inattention of a driver led to a truck accident, getting the advice that can help you navigate your recovery process is important.
Federal Transportation Laws Require Drivers Record Details About Driving and Down Times
With so much of the nation’s consumable goods being transported across the country by tractor trailer, it is comforting to know that federal transportation laws seek to monitor the safety of these drivers. Limiting how many hours in a day and a week that a driver can be on the road is an important part of keeping our roadways safe. Even electronic logs, however, do not always make sure that a driver is being as safe as possible. Often times, when an accident happens further investigations reveal that there have been violations federal transportation laws which have been found to be the cause of distracted driving or driver error. In a time when hand held technology can prove a distraction, in fact, there are many accidents on the road that are caused by a driver looking at a screen instead of the road.
Truck accidents are a serious danger in some parts of the country, especially if there are companies who are not following the federal transportation laws and regulations. Knowing that you need to have your own lawyer in these situations can be confusing. When, for instance, the guilty party presents what looks like a rather large settlement, it might seem in your best interest to settle out of court without your own legal representation. It is always important to realize, though, that these companies are looking out for their interest, not yours.
And while you may only be thinking of the short term recovery that will be needed, when an experienced lawyer may help you anticipate the future needs that you may have as well.
Consider some of these facts and figures about the many times when it is in your best interest to seek the advice of a legal representative who is looking out for you, not the needs of the offending company, driver, or corporation:
- As many as 96% of personal injury cases are settled pre-trial, an indicator of why it is important to have an experienced attorney looking out for your best interest.
- The latest research indicates that 52% of personal injury lawsuits are caused by automobile accidents.
- In fact, every year there are nearly 5.5 million car accidents in the U.S. When big trucks are involved these accidents can be even more serious.
- Of these 5.5 million total annual car accidents in America, 3 million cause injuries and 40,000 are fatal.
- Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 have the highest traffic related injury rate when rated by 100,000 population groups.
- The total economic toll of auto accidents in the U.S. economy is approximately $250 billion.
Every day when you think through the route that you will be taking to and from work, you may be putting yourself at risk of what other drivers are doing. They may be distracted by technology; they may be tired because they have been on the road too long; they may even be impaired because of alcohol consumption. If you get hurt, it is important to get legal advice.