Causes Of Car Crashes

Road Conditions

Whether it’s trees blocking a yield sign, potholes that aren’t fixed, or temporary conditions like rain, snow or ice, many roads are a significant contributor to car crashes.

Driver Error

Driver error is the leading cause of auto accidents. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Not signaling turns
• Tailgating
• Disregarding traffic signs
• Aggressive lane changing
• Refusing to yield
• Driving while intoxicated

Car Or Truck Design Defects

A crash may actually be caused by a design defect or normal wear and tear. The most common mechanical failures are with the tires and brakes.

Don’t hesitate to ask if you suspect a defect may have played a part in the crash. Others include:

• Seat belts that come unbuckled
• Air bags that don’t inflate properly
• Dangerous placement of the gas tank that could rupture on a rear impact collision
• Frame design that causes a car to roll over and the roof is crushed

Who, Me? It Wasn’t MY Fault

Most drivers (80 percent according to a recent study) involved in an auto or truck crash deny responsibility. In Arkansas, the law requires that the person or company responsible pay for injuries and repairs.

Compensation can be sought for medical bills, lost wages, car rentals and repairs, and for any pain and suffering you’ve endured. These include not only for present expenses, but also for future problems that are the result of the crash.

Insurance Companies: Theirs And Yours

Be Wary of Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies are not in the business to lose money. Even if the crash was not your fault in any way, adjusters are trained to find ways in which you could be responsible.

Sometimes you can’t depend on your own insurance company to recover the total amount the injuries. They may be more interested in recovering only what they think they would be responsible. In a serious incident, before making a report to your own insurance company, consult with your attorney to familiarize yourself with what type of coverage is found in your policy. This can be coverage concerning liability, medical payments, property damage, uninsured or underinsured drivers, or any other claims under your policy.

Insurance companies use a “3D” strategy

• Delay
• Deny
• Defend

Insurance companies delay significant claims because delay almost always benefits them. They deny claims because they bet that the injured person will take what is offered and walk away for fear that, if they don’t accept it, they will get nothing at all. Injured people walk away from billions of dollars that should rightfully be theirs, but which insurers now keep for themselves.

Insurance companies defend claims as part of their pattern of delay and denial. When insurance companies use their “3D” strategy, insured people are shortchanged due to insurance bad faith.

To learn more about your legal rights and options after a car crash, please contact our office by phone at 877-638-6226 or online for a free consultation with one of our car crash lawyers. We proudly serve areas throughout Arkansas.