Highway accidents occur daily in the United States, resulting in significant injuries and even death to pedestrians, passengers, and drivers. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, 32 people die in the U.S. in drunken driving-related crashes per day alone. The incidents have a devastating impact on not only lives but our economy as well.

Types of Highway Accidents

In the U.S., distracted driving and negligence are the leading causes of accidents. Other times, drivers ignore the road and traffic rules placing everyone on the highway at risk. The accidents occur in different ways, including:
  • Rear-end collisions happen when rear drivers collide with vehicles in front of them. These generally occur at low speeds. Higher speeds can lead to rear-end collisions on highways.
  • Head-on collisions: These happen when motor vehicles traveling in different directions collide. A head-on collision can happen on the highway if the driver is on the wrong side. This may be due to drowsy or distracted driving. Drug and alcohol use sometimes causes this kind of negligence.
  • T-bone accidents are common at intersections when a motorist does not follow traffic laws. The casualties are called “T-bone” because they form a "T" when colliding. T-bone accidents are caused by negligence or missing traffic signs. Liability in such a case may fall on executives, government agencies, and anyone involved in the functioning of traffic devices.
  • Single-car accidents happen when a car hits fixed objects and accounts for around 5.6% of all car accidents in the US. The casualties are mainly caused by aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving. Drivers may swerve into oncoming or opposing traffic, causing a crash into objects like embankments, bridges, polls, guardrails, etc.
  • Sideswipe accidents happen when a driver crashes into the side of another vehicle. This often happens due to unsafe lane changes or failure to stop. Not using turn signals and overspeeding causes sideswipe accidents as well.

Effects Associated With Highway Accidents

In Boca Raton, 3,354 traffic accidents were investigated in 2021. Boca Raton has more casualties than the rest of Florida State. This is based on the area population, which placed the accident rate at eight percent higher than in other parts of Florida in 2021. This percentage means that Boca Raton had 273 more traffic crashes than expected in an area with such a population.

Highway accidents are serious, and they have severe consequences, as laid out below.
Death

This is the most tragic part of highway accidents. In 2021, 39,508 fatal crashes with 42,939 deaths were reported in the U.S. The death of a loved one leaves communities and families devastated. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy.

Physical Injuries

After a highway accident, the parties involved may sustain serious physical injuries. These can be minor bruises and cuts. The damages can be more severe like in the case of:
  • Amputations
  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Broken bones
The injuries can affect the victim's well-being, with high chances of reduced mobility and disabilities.

After an accident, extensive medical procedures and rehabilitation may be needed. Discomfort and pain are joint, affecting the quality of life.

Trauma

Emotional trauma can affect some victims after a highway accident. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and other mental issues are the most common among survivors. According to a National Institute of Mental Health study, 39.2% of drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents develop PTSD. Victims struggle with different emotions, which can be long-term. Social interactions and personal relationships can be affected.

Reduced Mobility and Disability

Victims who sustain severe injuries after a highway accident may suffer reduced mobility and disabilities. In serious highway accidents, victims can be permanently disabled. This incapacitates them from doing their regular duties or working.

Impact on Relationships

Highway accidents strain relationships and families. Loved ones are expected to offer those affected emotional, physical, and sometimes financial support. The strain associated with this can cause marital issues, family breakdowns, and eventually divorce. Counseling may be needed after accidents.

Financial Impact

The financial impact of highway accidents cannot be overlooked because they create a ripple effect throughout the economy. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that traffic accidents cost the U.S. $340 billion in 2019.

Financial implications include:
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation fees
  • Legal fees

These need to be settled depending on the situation. If incapacitated, working becomes impossible, leading to debt, financial instability, and sometimes bankruptcy. Accessing Legal Representation

A qualified highway accident lawyer must be contacted when an accident occurs. A lawyer gives legal representation to ensure you get justice and compensation for any loss incurred, especially if someone else was liable for the accident. The civil courts in Boca Raton consider different factors before deciding on a settlement. Working with a good lawyer means thorough investigation and evidence to support your case. This boosts the chances of success.