What Is an MVA?

Every time we get behind the wheel, we expect things to go as usual. However, life can take a sudden and unexpected turn. Understanding what an MVA is and how it could impact your life becomes essential.

MVA stands for Motor Vehicle Accident, refers to any collision including cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other vehicles. These accidents can lead to significant physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. At Jan Dils Attorneys at Law, LC, we guide our clients through the legal complexities that come from an MVA. We understand the true recovery extends beyond the scene of the crash.

Common Types of MVAs

Although every accident is unique, MVAs generally fall into several common categories:

• Rollover Accidents: These occur when a vehicle tips into its side or roof. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollovers due to their high center of gravity.

• Head-On Collisions: These are the deadliest type of MVAs, these happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front. The force involved can lead to traumatic injuries or even fatalities.

• Read-End Collisions: These are the most common MVAs, often caused by distracted driving, sudden braking, tailgating, or mechanical failure. They seem minor but can result in serious neck and spine injuries.

• Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as t-bones, these typically occur at intersections where one vehicle strikes the side of another. They can be especially dangerous for the passengers on the impacted side of the vehicle.

• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These often occur on highways, pileups involve several vehicles and can be extremely complex when determining liability and working with multiple insurance providers.

• Hit and Run Accidents: These occur when a driver flees the scene without stopping to assist or provide contact information. Often the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, or impaired.

• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Not all MVAs involve multiple cars such as crashing into a tree or utility pole is a single-vehicle accident. These can still cause significant injuries and property injury.

Understanding the different types of MVAs is the first step toward recognizing your rights, protecting your well-being, and knowing when to seek legal support.

Automotive Defects as a Cause of MVAs

Sometimes a crash isn’t just caused by the driver but by faulty vehicle equipment. Common auto defects that may lead to or worsen accidents include:

• Malfunctioning airbags
• Defective seat belts
• Faulty fuel pumps
• Power steering or brake failures
• Broken door latches or window mechanisms
• Tire blowouts or defective lighting systems

If your accident was caused by a defect, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. A product liability claim is a lawsuit filed by a consumer injured by a defective or unsafe product. This claim holds the manufacturer legally responsible for producing and distributing a product that caused harm when used as intended.

Why Legal Help Matters

After a motor vehicle accident, life can quickly become overwhelming. Left not only dealing with physical injuries but potentially facing time away from work, mounting medical expenses, and the stress of navigating insurance claims.

Having the right legal team in your corner can make a world of difference. A skilled attorney can handle the paperwork, deal with insurers, and make sure your rights are protected from day one.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an MVA, the personal injury team at Jan Dils Attorneys at Law is ready to help. We’re committed to helping you move forward with confidence, clarity, and support you need to get your life back on track.