Contributory Factors in Car Crash Injury

By: Maribel Roncales
Submitted: 2008-07-17 11:11:53
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In first world countries like the United States, many streets are always congested with cars and other types of vehicles. As the number of cars increases everyday, the number of car accident also boost annually.

Because of the alarming increase of annual casualties, it is necessary to dig into the roots of the issue in order to understand it and to find solutions.

What are the contributing factors in a car crash?

Although a car crash is considered as an accident, which means that it happens beyond our control, some factors contribute to the occurrence of such incidents. According to study, the prevalent factors are the following:

• Drivers’ behavior

A study conducted by authorities demonstrates that drivers’ behavior, intoxication and other human factors contribute almost 93% of car crashes.

• Speed choice

According to the report of the U.S Department of Transportation, the risk of being injured increases exponentially with speed much faster than the median speed. They also found out that the severity of the crash depends on the vehicle speed change at impact.

• Drivers’ impairment

A drivers’ capability to operate a car is affected by the physical and mental ability to assess conditions and respond quickly. Studies illustrate that there are factors like poor eyesight, physical impairment, old age and fatigue may affect drivers’ condition.

• Road design

It has also proven that defective roads and road designs affect the occurrence of car crash.

• Vehicle design and maintenance

The design and proper maintenance of your car may also cause of a car crash. This is the reason why car owners are always advised to inspect their vehicle regularly.

It is important to note that car crash injuries are mostly coupled with legal consequences and the liability of the party at-fault is in proportion to the nature and degree of the crash.

A party involved in a car crash may face criminal liability, civil liability or both. Usually, a criminal action results when someone is severely injured or killed or if the driver acted in gross negligence. Criminal charges may include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Assault with deadly weapon

• Manslaughter or murder

The penalties associated with these ranges from fine to imprisonment and even death.

In the United States where healthcare is mainly provided through private insurance, automobile accident personal injury lawsuits have become the most common types of tort. In this case, the court usually needs to decide only the factual questions of who is at fault, and their percentage of fault, as well as on how much damages should be paid to the injured plaintiff by the defendants insurer.

Car crash injury victims can recover damages from the party at-fault. Damages are the monetary compensation for the injuries suffered by the victim. Compensable injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries and other. Physical pain and suffering caused by such injuries are also compensable.

Damages may also be sought to pay medical bills (past or future provided related to the injury), payment for loss of income and property damage.

If you have been involve in a car crash it is commonly advised by experts to keep a record documenting on how the injury affects you both physically and emotionally. This can be of great assistance in proving your claim against the party at-fault.

Article source: Expert Articles