Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents happen every day. Some are small fender-benders. Others are much worse. When someone gets seriously hurt in a crash, life can change in a second.

You might end up in the hospital. You might miss work. Bills can pile up. And the other driver’s insurance might not want to help. That’s where serious injury lawyers come in. They’re the people who help you get answers, support, and the money you need to recover.

In this article, we’ll walk through the main things to know about motor vehicle accidents. We’ll talk about how they happen, what kinds of injuries are common, and how lawyers help people get back on their feet.

What Counts as a Motor Vehicle Accident?

A motor vehicle accident is any crash involving a car, truck, motorcycle, or other moving vehicle. It doesn’t matter if it happens on a freeway, in a parking lot, or on a quiet street—it still counts.

Types of motor vehicle accidents include:

• Car vs. car

• Car vs. truck

• Car vs. motorcycle

• Vehicle vs. pedestrian

• Vehicle vs. cyclist

• Multi-car pileups

• Rollover accidents

• Hit and runs

Each crash is different. Some people walk away with just a scratch. Others end up in surgery, in rehab, or worse.

Common Causes of Accidents

Most crashes happen because someone wasn’t being careful. That can mean:

• Speeding

• Texting while driving

• Running a red light

• Driving under the influence

• Not checking blind spots

• Falling asleep at the wheel

• Not yielding the right of way

• Following too closely

Sometimes, it’s not just the driver’s fault. Bad road design, broken traffic lights, or dangerous weather can also lead to crashes. A good lawyer will help figure out what really happened.

Common Injuries from Crashes

Not all injuries show up right away. Some take hours—or even days—to feel. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor, even if you think you’re okay.

Here are some injuries that can happen in a motor vehicle accident:

• Whiplash

• Concussions

• Broken bones

• Back and neck injuries

• Internal bleeding

• Burns

• Cuts and bruises

• Nerve damage

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Spinal cord injuries

Some of these can heal with time. Others may last a lifetime. Either way, they can affect how you work, sleep, move, or even just enjoy life.

What to Do After an Accident

If you’re in a crash, the steps you take next are important. Here’s what to do:

1. Make sure you’re safe. Move out of traffic if possible.

2. Call 911. Get police and medical help.

3. Exchange information with the other driver.

4. Take pictures of the damage, the road, and your injuries.

5. Talk to witnesses if anyone saw the crash.

6. Go to the hospital or see a doctor—even if you feel okay.

7. Don’t post about the crash online.

8. Contact a serious injury lawyer if you’re hurt.

Doing these things can help keep you safe and protect your case if you need to file a claim later.

Why Serious Injury Lawyers Matter

Insurance companies are not your friend. They work to save money—not help you. They might offer a quick payout that seems nice but is way less than you deserve.

Serious injury lawyers know how to deal with these companies. They look at the facts, figure out how much your case is worth, and fight to get you what you’re owed.

Here’s what they help with:

• Investigating the crash

• Talking to insurance companies

• Collecting medical records

• Figuring out lost wages

• Filing a lawsuit if needed

• Taking the case to court

• Making sure your voice is heard

You don’t have to go through this alone. A good lawyer will walk you through every step.

What a Case Might Be Worth

Every case is different, but here are a few things that affect how much money someone might get:

• Medical bills

• Future medical care

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional stress

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Damage to your car or property

In serious cases, there might also be money for permanent injuries, disability, or wrongful death.

Lawyers know how to put a fair number on all of this. They fight to make sure you don’t settle for less than what’s right.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In a crash, more than one person—or even a company—can be at fault. Depending on the situation, your lawyer might go after:

• The other driver

• The car owner (if different from the driver)

• A trucking company

• A business using the vehicle

• A car maker (if something failed)

• A city or town (if a road was unsafe)

Your lawyer will look at all the angles and figure out who should be held accountable.

Hit and Run Accidents

Getting hit by someone who drives away is scary and confusing. But it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Your lawyer can help you:

• Look for camera footage

• Talk to nearby businesses or witnesses

• File a claim through your own insurance

• Push for police to investigate

In some cases, even if the driver is never found, your insurance may still cover your injuries—especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

What if the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance—or not enough? That’s where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help. It’s part of many California insurance policies.

Your lawyer will help you use that coverage to still get paid for:

• Medical bills

• Lost income

• Pain and suffering

Even if the other driver is broke, you don’t have to be left with nothing.

When Cases Go to Court

Most accident cases settle outside of court. But sometimes, the other side won’t offer enough. If that happens, your lawyer may file a lawsuit and go to trial.

In court, your lawyer will:

• Present evidence

• Call witnesses

• Explain how the accident changed your life

• Ask the jury for a fair result

Going to court takes time, but sometimes it’s the only way to get justice.

Civil Rights and Motor Vehicle Cases

Sometimes, vehicle accidents involve civil rights too. For example:

• A police chase that hurts someone not involved

• A city failing to fix a dangerous road

• An accident involving public buses or government vehicles

• A person with disabilities not being properly protected while riding

These cases can be more complex. But they’re important. They can also lead to bigger changes that help others down the road.

What to Avoid After a Crash

Here are a few things that can hurt your case:

• Saying “I’m fine” at the scene

• Skipping medical appointments

• Posting accident details on social media

• Giving a recorded statement without a lawyer

• Settling too fast just to be done with it

Your lawyer will help you avoid these mistakes and protect your case from day one.

Real Client Story

“I was on my way to work when a guy ran a red light and hit me. My car was totaled, and I ended up in the hospital with a broken leg and a concussion. At first, the insurance company acted nice, but then they blamed me and tried to pay almost nothing. I was so stressed. A friend told me to talk to a lawyer, and I’m so glad I did. They took over everything—calls, paperwork, all of it. A few months later, I got a settlement that covered my medical bills and helped me get back on my feet.”

– Jenna L., Riverside, CA

How to Choose the Right Lawyer

Not all lawyers are the same. If you’ve been in a crash, look for someone who:

• Focuses on serious injury cases

• Has experience with motor vehicle accidents

• Won’t charge unless they win your case

• Takes time to explain things

• Makes you feel heard and respected

It’s okay to ask questions. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in who’s fighting for you.

Final Thoughts

Motor vehicle accidents can happen in a flash—but the pain and stress can last a long time. If you’ve been seriously hurt, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

A serious injury lawyer can guide you through the hard parts. They’ll deal with the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the legal fights so you can focus on healing. Whether your case settles fast or goes all the way to court, they’ll be with you the whole way.

You have rights. You have a story. And you deserve to be treated with fairness and care.