Motor vehicle accidents are a common and often tragic occurrence on the roads, impacting individuals, families, and communities alike. These accidents can involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, and can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may be life-altering. At Gunn | Slater, we specialize in representing victims of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving trucks, cars, and defective road conditions.

Who Are the Defendants in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases?

In motor vehicle accidents, the parties responsible for the incident—or the defendants—can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, defendants in these cases can include:

The At-Fault Driver: In many cases, the primary defendant is the individual whose actions directly led to the accident. These actions could involve speeding, running a red light, failing to yield, distracted driving (such as texting or talking on the phone), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply not paying attention to the road.

Truck Companies or Employers: In the case of truck accidents, the trucking company that employs the driver may also be held liable. This can include situations where the company is responsible for improper maintenance of the truck, inadequate driver training, or forcing drivers to work long hours, resulting in fatigue.

Vehicle Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle—such as faulty brakes, airbags, or other critical systems—then the vehicle’s manufacturer could be liable for producing a defective product.

Government Entities: If a motor vehicle accident is caused by poor road conditions, construction zone hazards, or inadequate signage, then government entities responsible for maintaining the road may be defendants in a case.

Other Drivers or Third Parties: In multi-vehicle accidents, other drivers involved in the crash could also be defendants, especially if their actions contributed to the accident. Additionally, if another party (such as a delivery service) was responsible for creating a hazard that led to the crash, then they could be held accountable.

Types of Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may be severe or permanent. The severity of the injuries depends on several factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and whether the victim was wearing a seatbelt. Some of the most common injuries include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash occurs when a sudden impact causes the head and neck to jerk forward and backward. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and even long-term neck and spinal injuries.

Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in serious accidents, especially those involving high-speed collisions. Concussions, skull fractures, and more severe brain injuries can result in lifelong cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other permanent disabilities. These injuries are often life-changing and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision can cause broken bones, fractures, and dislocations in various parts of the body. In severe cases, fractures may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries: Trauma to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys can occur in motor vehicle accidents. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent, but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Burns: Shattered glass, metal, and other debris can cause cuts, lacerations, and burns. In some cases, these injuries can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries: In addition to physical injuries, many accident victims experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fear of driving. These psychological injuries can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

Why Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen: Carelessness and Negligence

Motor vehicle accidents often happen due to driver carelessness or negligence. Some of the key factors contributing to these accidents include:

Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents is driver distraction, which can involve texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. When a driver is distracted, their attention is not focused on the road, increasing the risk of a collision.

Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly, make sound decisions, and operate their vehicle safely. Impaired driving remains one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of accidents.

Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden obstacles, increases the severity of crashes, and decreases the effectiveness of safety features such as airbags and seatbelts.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage can lead to dangerous accidents. Aggressive drivers often ignore traffic laws and put others at risk.

Fatigued Driving: Fatigue is a serious issue for many drivers, particularly long-distance truck drivers. Drowsy driving impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities, making it just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or failing to yield to pedestrians or other drivers can result in serious accidents. Drivers who violate traffic laws are often found to be negligent in the event of a crash.

When a Highway Department is Negligent

Motor vehicle accidents are not always caused by driver negligence. Sometimes, accidents occur due to issues with the road or highway itself. A highway department may be held liable for accidents resulting from the following types of negligence:

Poor Road Maintenance: If a road is not properly maintained, it can develop dangerous conditions such as large potholes, uneven pavement, or debris in the roadway. These conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents.

Inadequate Signage: A lack of proper warning signs, detour signs, or other essential notifications can confuse drivers or leave them unprepared for upcoming hazards such as sharp turns, construction zones, or sudden lane changes.

Defective Road Design: Roads that are poorly designed, with dangerous curves, blind spots, or inadequate traffic flow, can increase the likelihood of accidents. In such cases, the government entity responsible for the design may be held accountable.

Improper Traffic Control: Accidents can occur when traffic signals, signs, or other forms of traffic control are improperly placed or malfunction. These issues can confuse drivers and increase the likelihood of collisions.

When Animals Are in the Roadway

Accidents involving animals on the roadway are another common cause of crashes. When animals—especially large ones like deer—appear suddenly in the road, drivers may swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid hitting them, leading to accidents. In such cases, it is important to investigate whether the animal-related accident could have been prevented with proper road signage, fencing, or other measures to reduce the risk of wildlife encounters. Additionally, even without another person or company’s fault, you may be entitled to recovery from your own motor vehicle insurance. Call us to inquire.

Defective Roads or Highway Conditions

In addition to road maintenance and design issues, accidents can occur due to defects in the road or highway itself. Examples of such defects include:

Potholes: Large, deep potholes can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in crashes.

Surface Issues: Roads that have worn-out or slippery surfaces can cause vehicles to hydroplane, especially during rainy or wet conditions.

Improper Drainage: Poor drainage systems can lead to flooding on roadways, making them dangerous to drive on.

Debris on the Road: Construction debris, fallen branches, and other obstructions can cause drivers to swerve or stop suddenly, leading to accidents.

The Litigation Process for a Motor Vehicle Accident Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the litigation process can be complex. Here is an overview of what the legal process typically looks like for an accident victim:

Initial Consultation: The first step is to meet with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess the details of the accident and provide you with an overview of your legal options.

Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, and medical records.

Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. This will initiate the formal legal process and trigger discovery, during which both sides exchange evidence.

Negotiation: Often, a case will be settled before it goes to trial. Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to secure a fair settlement for you.

Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, then your case may go to trial. A skilled trial attorney will present your case to a jury and seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why You Need a Skilled, Experienced Trial Attorney

Motor vehicle accident cases, particularly those involving serious injuries or multiple defendants, require the expertise of a skilled and experienced attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and without an experienced attorney on your side, you may receive less compensation than you deserve. A trial attorney with experience handling complex motor vehicle accident cases can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you are compensated fairly for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose Gunn | Slater for Your Injury Case

At Gunn | Slater, we have a proven track record of success in representing motor vehicle accident victims. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of those injured due to the negligence of others. We understand the challenges accident victims face and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.

We offer personalized attention and will guide you through every step of the legal process. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and, if necessary, aggressive trial lawyers who will fight for your rights in court. When you hire Gunn | Slater, you can trust that you will receive the legal representation you need to move forward after an accident.

Call Gunn | Slater So We Can Help

Motor vehicle accidents can have devastating consequences, but with the right legal representation, victims can secure the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at Gunn | Slater. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.