Mason Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents are unfortunate in Ohio and across the United States despite the advances in safety technology. Even if you are a safe and responsible driver who obeys the rules of the road, you cannot control how other motorists drive and their decisions when they are behind the wheel. For example, if another motorist is speeding, using their phone to talk, text, or check social media, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or engaging in any other unsafe driving behavior, this can significantly increase the risk of a serious car accident involving severe injuries and fatalities.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident that another driver caused, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?

Car accidents happen when you least expect and can cause a range of serious injuries and fatalities. The following are some of the most common types of car accidents that continue to occur in Ohio:

Rear-End Collisions: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 percent of car accidents resulting in serious injuries were caused by rear-end collisions, making it one of the most common causes of car accidents. In the vast majority of rear-end accidents, the person who hit the vehicle it was following is generally considered at fault, particularly if they were tailgating. Oftentimes, rear-end accidents occur at relatively low speeds. However, if a driver slams into another vehicle traveling at a high speed, it can have devastating consequences.
Sideswipe Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a vehicle brushes up against another vehicle. This usually occurs when a driver is merging, changing lanes without checking their blind spots, or drifting out of their lane. In most cases, these accidents are relatively minor, although they can cause severe injuries if a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian is involved.
Side-Impact Accidents: Also known as T-bone crashes, this occurs when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. Side-impact crashes tend to cause serious injuries because they often involve high-speed collisions, and most vehicles do not have adequate reinforcements along the side of the car. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), side-impact crashes make up over 35 percent of traffic accidents. Yet, they are responsible for nearly 50 percent of traffic fatalities.
Head-On Collisions: While not as common as other types of accidents, they can have devastating consequences, particularly if the motorists travel at high speed. These accidents often result in tragic fatalities.
Rollover Accidents: These occur when a motorist approaches a turn too quickly or if road conditions are icy or slippery. SUVs, Cans, and pickup trucks are particularly susceptible to rollover accidents due to their higher center of gravity. Rollover accidents often result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes: These are car accidents involving three or more vehicles. They often occur when one car hits another from behind, causing a chain reaction of collisions. Often referred to as multi-car pileups, these accidents occur on busy highways where vehicles drive at a high speed.
Uber and Lyft Accidents: Uber and Lyft accidents can result in complex legal cases involving multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and other motorists. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash, victims may be entitled to compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Most car accidents can be avoided if motorists follow the rules of the road and avoid irresponsible behaviors when they are behind the wheel. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of serious yet preventable car accidents:

Distracted Driving: Any behavior that takes a driver’s attention off the road is considered distracted driving. This can include talking or texting on the phone, reaching for something in the back seat, or interacting with another passenger in the vehicle.
Impaired Driving: Drunk or drugged driving causes impairments that can affect a motorist’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Even a small amount of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can cause a range of impairments that can increase the risk of a serious car accident.
Speeding: All motorists are expected to obey the rules of the road, which includes following the posted speed limits. The faster a motorist drives, the more serious an accident is likely.
Drowsy Driving: While drowsy driving is a common problem among truck drivers who drive long hours through the night, it affects all drivers who get behind the wheel after not getting enough sleep. Extreme drowsiness can cause the same impairments as drunk driving.
Inexperience: Newly licensed, inexperienced teen drivers are four times more likely to get into a car accident than drivers over 20.
Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, cutting off other drivers, and changing lanes without signaling are examples of aggressive driving, which can increase the risk of a serious car accident.
Inclement Weather: While you cannot control or prevent inclement weather conditions, motorists are expected to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of a weather-related accident. That means slowing down, increasing the following distance, and avoiding driving if possible.
Mechanical Issues: All vehicle owners are expected to maintain their vehicles and take the necessary steps to prevent accidents. That means maintaining the wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, and lights and ensuring that any defects or problems are fixed as soon as possible.

What Steps Do I Take After a Car Accident in Mason?

Knowing what to do in the moments following a car accident can make the situation much less stressful, particularly if there are injuries involved. Keep the following tips in mind:

Call 911 to report the accident. If there are injuries, notify dispatch so they can send an ambulance to the scene.
Get immediate medical attention, even if your injuries do not seem life-threatening. The shock of the accident may mask pain and other symptoms, so it is essential to be examined by a healthcare provider who can diagnose an injury.
Collect evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. Exchange information and get contact information from witnesses who saw the crash happen.
Notify your insurance company that you were involved in an accident. Do not say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, as this can be used against you in your claim.
Contact a car accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights and help you recover the damages you are entitled to.

The Mason Car Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Car Accidents

If you were seriously injured in a car accident that another motorist caused, do not hesitate to contact the Mason car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. We will review the accident details, determine who is liable for your injuries, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.