Car accidents are the leading cause of death for people in the U.S. In fact, there are over 33,000 fatal car accidents and approximately 2 million nonfatal injuries every single year. While some of these accidents can’t be avoided, there are many that can be.
When you’re involved in an auto accident, it can be costly. You may have to pay thousands of dollars in medical bills and lose time from work, among other things. If you are hurt because of a crash, your first inclination might be to handle it on your own. This is generally not a smart move — especially if the accident was preventable.
Fatal car accidents in Fort Myers result in some of the most severe injuries and deaths. You will likely be shaken up after the accident, whether a minor fender bender or a severe collision. Therefore, being prepared to take action after an accident is essential.
Talking to an attorney can help you better understand liability laws so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your legal options. If you live in Texas, check out moore-firm.com and know your rights as a car crash victim and the compensation you deserve.
While these accidents are sometimes out of your control, it’s important that you know the common causes of car accidents so that you can try to avoid them and take steps to prevent them.
Distracted driving
This is probably the most common cause of car accidents in America today. It’s all too easy for drivers to get distracted while they’re behind the wheel—whether they’re texting or changing the radio station or trying to find their phone charger—and those distractions can lead to serious consequences. Here are some reasons a driver gets distracted:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Adjusting the radio or other audio equipment
- Eating and drinking (not simultaneously)
- Looking at something outside of your vehicle (including through your windshield)
- Talking to passengers in your vehicle, whether they are riding in a seat or are standing next to you. There are several types of distractions that result in this kind of accident: one is grooming; another is reading; yet another is using a navigation system. Other types include watching a video and adjusting a GPS.
The best way to avoid distracted driving? Stay focused on the road! Keep both hands firmly on the wheel at all times! And if there’s something going on in your car (like a fight with your kids) that requires attention
Intoxicated driving
Drunk driving is another cause of car accidents in America. This one’s pretty obvious. Drunk driving kills thousands of people every year, and it’s illegal in every state.
- Impairment of motor skills: A person who is drunk has slower reaction time and reduced ability to make rational decisions, both of which can increase his or her risk of a crash
- Reduced reaction time: Even at legal limits, alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly enough to avoid an accident
If you’re going to drink before getting behind the wheel, make sure that you have someone sober to drive for you, or wait until you’re sober enough to get home safely on your own.
Speeding
Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in all types of weather, but especially during inclement conditions such as rain or snow.
The faster you’re traveling when you collide with another vehicle or have an accident, the more severe your injuries may be if you aren’t wearing a seatbelt or using other protective equipment like an airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS).
Drivers should be aware of the speed limit and follow it. If a driver is going too fast for conditions, this can cause them to lose control of the vehicle.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving is defined as driving in a way that endangers the safety of yourself and others. Examples of reckless driving wa includes speeding, weaving in and out of traffic lanes, a tailgating accident, and running red lights. These drivers don’t think about their actions, only about themselves and their goals.
If you see someone acting like this on the road, stay at least five car lengths behind them at all times. This means that if they break suddenly, you’ll be able to stop safely without having to swerve into another lane.
Remember: if you’re tailgating another car, then that means you’re driving too closely!
Automobile malfunction
Automobile malfunction is the most common cause of car accidents. This category includes problems with your vehicle’s brakes, tires, or any other necessary part of the car.
Automobile malfunction may also come from design flaws or manufacturing flaws that aren’t discovered until after vehicles begin rolling off assembly lines and onto highways around America.
If you do find yourself in an automobile malfunction accident, take these steps:
1. Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. Call 911 and report your location and the problem with your vehicle.
3. Stay in your vehicle until emergency personnel arrive; if there are injuries involved, they may need immediate medical attention. If there are no injuries involved, you may be asked to move your vehicle once it has been inspected by police officers and/or technicians who specialize in investigating these types of accidents (such as those who work for insurance companies).
4. Do not attempt to fix anything yourself—this is important because doing so may result in further damage being done to your car or another driver’s vehicle (or both).
If you are involved in an accident, you could be entitled to compensation
Luckily, there are ways to try and mitigate the risks of having an accident. By being more aware of the common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them, you can better protect yourself from a serious car crash in the future. Despite these tips, there is no guarantee that you won’t be involved in an accident, but there are small steps you can take toward reducing your risk.
If you are involved in an accident, you could be entitled to compensation. This can include compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and property damage. To make sure you collect what is rightfully yours after the accident, it is important to hire a car accident lawyer who knows how to handle these cases.
Car accident lawyers possess extensive knowledge of traffic regulations, personal injury litigation, and the art of settlement negotiations, guaranteeing their clients receive the necessary legal assistance to maneuver through the intricacies of car accident cases and receive the compensation they are entitled to.
