Millions of drivers are involved in car crashes each year in America. In about half of these accidents, someone is injured. When caused by the negligence of another, the injured party may be able to sue for damages. These lawsuits generally involve claims for medical expenses, loss wages, and pain and suffering.

What every driver should know

Although each state has its own laws that pertain to auto accidents, all of them permit drivers to sue other drivers if negligence was involved. What does this entail? When you operate a motor vehicle in America, you have the legal duty to obey the rules of the road. If you fail to do so and are involved in an auto accident where the other driver is injured, odds are you will be found liable because you were negligent.

Common examples of negligent driving include speeding, running a red light or stop sign, driving carelessly or distractedly. It is important to note that many of the new state laws that apply to auto accidents concern distracted driving, which generally involves electronic devices like mobile phones. More and more jurisdictions consider the use of these devices while driving to be dangerous and potentially negligent behavior.