Each day automobile accidents cause needless deaths, injuries, suffering and property damage to innocent people. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control every fifteen minutes, someone dies in an automobile crash. Our traffic courts are flooded with people who carelessly or intentionally disregard fundamental rules of safety. Most highway accidents are caused by drivers who fail to follow basic rules of the road designed to promote safety. Most of these duties, rules and responsibilities are encompassed in state motor vehicle laws. All drivers have the responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe manner and comply with motor vehicle regulations. If a driver fails to use ordinary care to perform these duties, then they may also be civilly liable for the resulting injuries. In addition to issues involving driver performance or risk taking, motor vehicle accidents can involve in part questions regarding the safety of vehicle, it is equipment and maintenance, highway conditions, and road hazards.

Moreover, legal claims involving automobile accidents can involve complex issues dealing with liability, causation, contributory negligence or comparative negligence, injuries. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary issues that should be considered when evaluating an accident claim.

• When and where did the accident occur?

• How many vehicles were involved?

• Were the police called?

• Were traffic citations issued?

• Were there any independent witnesses?

• Did all parties have insurance?

• What were the nature and extent of the injuries?

• Was there a permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement?

• Was there a preexisting injury?

• Was a statement given to an insurance company?

• Is there sufficient insurance coverage or assets to satisfy a successful claim?

• What is the extent of any uninsured or underinsured coverage?

• Is there any medical payments or PIP?

• Are there any valid liens against a potential settlement?

• Are there any ERISA or Campus claims?

• What is the effect of any injuries on quality of life issues?

• Was the vehicle hazardous, dangerous, or subject to any applicable recalls?  

• Did seat belts function properly?

• Will the injured person make a good witness?

• Will the treating doctor be helpful?

It is important that an experienced legal team evaluate automobile accidents. Complex legal and safety issues may be involved. If you, a friend, or loved one are injured by an automobile accident, you should take immediate steps to protect your or their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, or their representatives. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to automobile accidents. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using the following Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.