by : Lala C. Ballatan

In the United States, particularly in the State ofCalifornia, despite the rules and regulations being implemented to preventautomobile and other vehicle-related accidents from happening, it remains asthe leading cause of injuries and fatality.

Recent studies by the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) show thatindividuals under the age of thirty-four years old are among the hardest hit ofinjuries and fatalities in vehicle-related accident occurrences. Every year,approximately 40,000 deaths are the result of auto accidents. The average rateper day of the fatalities reaches up to 115. Auto accidents also cost Americantaxpayers the outstanding amount of 150 billion dollars, every year.

In 2005, here is the percentage ofaccidents on various motor vehicles leading to injuries and fatalities.

On Cars:

Injury accidents – 1,893,000(57.6%)

Fatal accidents – 25, 029 (42.2%)

On Trucks:

Injury accidents – 82, 000 (2.5%)

Fatal accidents – 4, 932 (8.3%)

On Buses

Injury accidents – 12, 000 (0.4%)

Fatal accidents – 278 (0.5%)

On Motorcycles

Injury accidents - 12, 000 (0.4%)

Fatal Accidents – 4, 655 (7.8%)

You face the risk of being involved in at least one autoaccident during your lifetime. Thus, it is still important to be aware of yourrights related to different cases of auto accident involvement.

What should rank high on your priorities if involved in anauto accident?

• Reporting the incident to authorities
• Filing an accident report, both for purposes of filing insurance claims and for identifying who had been at fault
• Seeking immediate medical treatment
• Gathering related information in connection with the accident
• Writing down pertinent details like names, addresses, telephone numbers and statements of other parties involved in the accident and witnesses, if any

Usual injuries sustained by victims as a result of amotor-vehicle related accident:

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-????????head and brain injury

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-????????joint, bone and muscle injuries

Even if you did not feel that you were injured, you musttake the precaution of seeking medical attention as soon as possible. You canclaim for damages from the insurance company of the person found to be at faultfor the accident, depending on how you and your family's life are affected bythe incident.

You may also become interested in filing personal injurylawsuit against the parties at fault or with liability for the accident in casethe auto accident you have been involved in resulted to extensive propertydamages or loss, wrongful death or other extensive or lasting injuries andlosses.

Make sure to consult or hire only the extensivelyexperienced lawyer with specialized practice related in auto and other vehicleaccidents prior to doing any legal action.

Get to know more auto accidentissues through the auto accident lawyers California at