Motor vehicle accidents, also known as an auto accident or road traffic accidents (RTA’s), are a frequent and often preventable cause of property damage, personal injury, and death. The accident may result from a collision with a building, tree, telephone pole, animal, human, or other motor vehicle. The legal ramifications of a motor vehicle accident are proportionate to the severity of incident. Parties involved in an auto accident are required to stop at the scene and to exchange both insurance and identification information, or to call the police. If a party fails to stop after an accident, it is considered a "hit and run" and is a serious criminal offence. Those involved in a motor vehicle accident may face criminal and/or civil liability. While the state does not usually prosecute, there are circumstances that necessitate legal action, such as if there is a severe injury, death, or evidence of gross negligence. In these cases, the offender may be charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, or even murder. The resulting penalties vary greatly, ranging from jail time to incarceration, and even in some states, the death penalty. Civil liabilities following a serious auto accident include personal injury lawsuits as well as fines, and the suspension or revocation of one’s license.

Individuals who are injured in car accidents have legal recourse through auto accident lawsuits. The law allows auto accidents victims to recover various damages, including compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, fill out our free case evaluation form to speak to a car accident lawyer near you. An auto accident attorney may be able to recover substantial compensation to help you maintain financial stability while dealing with the ramifications of your car crash.