Car accidents are a daily occurrence in Owensboro. Chances are you’ll be involved in a wreck at some point in your life. While the majority of collisions only result in minor property damage, more severe accidents involving injuries and fatalities are a real possibility. If you find yourself coping with the consequences of a wreck that wasn’t your fault, an Owensboro, KY car accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help you get your life back in order.
When you file a claim against a negligent driver, you’re seeking compensation for your losses. To ensure the settlement you’re offered is fair, our attorneys will take all your losses into consideration. This includes your medical bills, the future cost of care, lost wages, future lost wages, physical and emotional pain and suffering, property damage costs, and more.
Building a strong claim involves understanding every way you were affected by a crash. To do so, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation that proves you were wronged.
The Consequences of a Collision in Kentucky
The severity of a car accident often determines the consequences the victims have to cope with and how long it will take to recover. With any crash there can be physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Understanding the ramifications and how to handle them can help victims move past the incident sooner.
Physical injuries vary significantly. The speed at which the crash happened, the vehicles involved, the type of accident, and the health status of the occupants prior to the crash all contribute to the severity of the injuries. Common injuries include broken bones, lacerations, bruising, and whiplash. Victims with those injuries are typically able to return to their previous way of life after they heal. More severe injuries, like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, can result in extensive recovery and long-term disabilities.
While physical injuries are often visible, not all injuries are. Victims of crashes, especially those involving catastrophic injuries or fatalities, are more likely to suffer emotionally. Symptoms of mental trauma include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and more. If the trauma is severe, the victim could develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Counseling and therapy are typically required for a full recovery.
While the physical and emotional injuries are often the most immediate after a wreck, the financial consequences can last for years. Without the help of a car accident attorney, you could be dealing with expensive medical bills, car replacement or repairs costs, and lost wages.
Preventing Auto Accidents in Owensboro
The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety implemented the Toward Zero Deaths program in 2010. Its overall mission is to reduce the state’s highway casualties and fatalities. To do so, it puts emphasis on aggressive driving, commercial vehicle safety, distracted and impaired driving, roadway departures, young drivers, and incident management.
While the program has reduced fatality numbers, a significant number of people still die on Kentucky roads every year. Just as of October 2019, 583 individuals have lost their lives in traffic accidents for the year. In 2018, the total loss of life was 724.
As a responsible driver, there are measures you can take behind the wheel to aid in the prevention of collisions. The first step you can take actually happens before you start driving. It’s important to have your car maintained regularly. This will ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and reduces your chances of having an accident related to a defective or broken auto part.
Once you’re on the road, remain focused. This means keeping your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on the task of driving. Be aware that not all drivers are as focused on the road as they should be, so it’s important to scan ahead to be prepared to anything.
Pull into traffic slowly and only merge or change lanes when you’re certain the area is clear of other vehicles. Avoid speeding, tailgating, or other aggressive driving behaviors. This will ensure you have optimal control over your vehicle at all times.
If you can, limit your nighttime driving and stay off the roads if the weather is poor. Snow, ice, and rain increase your chances of getting into an accident. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While the tips above can reduce your chances of getting into a crash, it’s impossible to predict what others will do on the road. If you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you deserve compensation for what you were wrongfully put through. That’s where we come in.
Holding Negligent Driver Accountable with Thomas Law Offices
In order to successfully receive full and fair compensation for your accident injuries, you’ll need to prove the other driver was at fault for the majority of the accident. Most car accident claims rely on the theory of negligence. This means you’ll need to prove that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty of care, you were injured as a result, and you suffered losses related to your injuries.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash, this could be challenging. That’s why it’s crucial to have a lawyer by your side. We’ll be able to thoroughly investigate the accident and collect the evidence that proves you were wronged.
We understand the frustration and stress that stems from being the victim of a car accident. If you’re in that situation, the most assured may to hold the negligent driver accountable and receive the compensation you need to move forward is to work with an Owensboro, KY car accident lawyer. To learn more about your legal rights and options or to discuss a potential claim, contact our office today.
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