Dealing With Motorcar Accident Trauma
Motorcar accidents happen. They are an ever-present probability every time a car is present. It’s no surprise, given the speed and masses involved, that the chances of personal injury or accidental death are not just possible, they are likely.
In the fast-moving technologically advanced countries, car accidents are usually more frequent and have greater potential for bodily injury than in the more agrarian and rural countries. Countries with long stretches of roadway between urban areas – as in the western parts of Australia – have special considerations which can lead to accidents, including overtaking road trains, dust and sand storms, sudden weather changes and inattentiveness.
Lately, distractions such as cellular phone conversations, texting, accessing on-board navigation screens, changing CDs or other non-driving activities are often a contributing factor to an accident. Impaired driving, whether from alcohol use or drug use – both legal prescription and illegal substance abuse – are on the rise as statistically preventable accident causes.
It’s enough to make one paranoid about braving the roadway.
Prevention and anticipation are the best options for protection from careless motorists. However, there is simply no substitute for being prepared for an accident. This especially includes adequate car insurance, with sufficient insurance benefits to ensure all bills and outstanding debts will be covered in the case of a catastrophic accident. Life insurance in addition to accident insurance should be more than the replacement costs of housing and loss of future income in case of a fatal accident.
Often simple road and motor accidents insurance is inadequate to cover any contingency other than motorcar repair or replacement costs, relatively minor injuries, and some protection from being hit by a motorist operating a car without insurance.
When involved in an accident – regardless of fault or culpability – it is a wise course to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. The solicitor will want accurate accounts of the accident from any witnesses, photographs, if available, and all supporting documentation to further the case. It is a good idea to carry a disposable film camera in your car – stored away out of the light and heat and periodically replaced – so photographs can be taken of an accident scene. A film camera is less likely to be be subjected to a “Photoshop defence” than digital images, especially if personal injury is involved or there is an attack by the defence on the extent of property damage incurred at the time of the accident. A disposable cell phone is also good to have on hand for emergency use. While these tools may not directly impact accident trauma, they will affect peace of mind which will be welcome during the healing and recovery process.
A good personal injury lawyer or attorney from a legal firm that specialises in motorcar accidents and personal injury, wrongful death, and similar automotive incidents is highly recommended. While “slip-and-fall” lawyers may be disparaged by some, there is no better chance to recover loss of income, mobility, determination of any disability, assessment of property damage and other considerations. When considering what are options available, choose the ones which provide the most protection for the dollar. The cheapest is not always the best choice, and with a family and household to support, penny-wise and pound foolish is never a good policy.