Despite advances in vehicle safety features, car wrecks still account for thousands of personal injuries and deaths each year in the United States.
Statistics show that, on average, more than 36,000 people are killed each year in traffic accidents. In addition to fatalities, hundreds of thousands of injuries occur annually due to car wrecks.
There are many reasons for car wrecks. In any of these accidents, an experienced car wreck lawyer can provide invaluable assistance to victims and their families.
Behaviors and Conditions that can Cause a Car Wreck
Certain driving behaviors and conditions are a major cause of car wrecks. Some of these are as follows.
Distracted driving. Distracted driving is a primary reason for accidents across the board. Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or minds off the task at hand. Distracted driving is caused by the following:
- Cell phones. Dialing, answering, talking, and texting are the leading causes of distracted driving, especially among younger drivers.
- Navigation systems. As helpful as GPS systems are, they can also pose a danger. Glancing down to follow directions or programming a device while driving lead to both distraction and potential accidents.
- Controls. Drivers should not fiddle with temperature controls, radio dials, and other in-car systems while driving.
- Children. Children who are yelling, playing noisy games, crying, fighting, or out of their seat restraints can easily cause distracted driving.
- Loud music, audiobooks, or children’s videos. In-car entertainment is enjoyable when kept at the right volume.
- Getting lost in thought or conversation. Sometimes a stimulating conversation or deep thoughts can cause the mind to wander. When it wanders off the focus on driving, accidents can happen.
- Roadside attractions. Accidents, emergency vehicles, scenery, and even amusing signs can cause drivers to lose focus on the road ahead.
Driving under the influence. Unfortunately, impaired driving continues to be a primary reason for accidents, injuries, and deaths across the United States. Despite strict laws and awareness campaigns, some people still choose to drive after drinking or using drugs. Even over-the-counter or prescription medications can cause driver impairment.
Fatigued driving. Although drowsy driving is often thought to be a problem for long-haul truck drivers, car drivers are not immune. Sometimes drivers push themselves to get to their destinations quicker, or they drive into the night to make up for lost time. Whatever the reason, drivers need to take rest breaks and stop for the night if they feel the least bit tired.
Disobeying driving rules and laws. Both new and experienced drivers sometimes forget, or refuse, to follow basic driving etiquette: use turn signals, drive the speed limit, be courteous to other drivers, be careful when changing lanes, do not tailgate, and other Driving 101 fundamentals.
Not adjusting driving for weather conditions. Drivers often get overconfident or otherwise refuse to slow down or pull over when the weather gets bad. Rain, hail, ice, snow, fog, wind, and even tornadoes or hurricanes will impact road conditions and the ability to drive safely. Drivers should slow down, pull over safely, or seek indoor shelter when needed.
Lack of car maintenance. Drivers may not always keep their vehicles in top condition. The chances for an accident are great if steering or brake systems fail, lights and signals do not work, and when the car’s fluids are not topped off. Worn or underinflated tires make a vehicle difficult to control, leading to accidents.
Speeding. When someone is driving too fast, their vehicle becomes harder to control. A speeding car cannot stop quickly, change lanes safely, or make turns easily. A speeder puts their own lives and the lives of other motorists at risk.
Road rage. Unfortunately, road rage exists. When another driver makes a mistake or drives unsafely, the best thing to do is to remain calm and continue driving with focus and caution. Do not start a fight or try to get revenge. Call the police when it is safe to do so if needed.
Road hazards. Driving with caution can keep drivers safe when there is a sudden change in road conditions such as construction, lane closures, merges, stopped traffic, accidents, emergency vehicles, debris in the road, detours, and other hazards.
Reaching for or searching for objects. Maybe the driver is looking for sunglasses. Perhaps they need something from their purse, or a phone or driving directions have fallen to the car floor. Whatever the situation, it is never a good idea to take one or both hands off the wheel for any reason.
If involved in an accident because of another driver’s negligence, motorists should reach out to a car wreck lawyer for a review of options to recover compensation for damages.
Huntsville Car Wreck Lawyers at Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. Advocate for Victims of Car Accidents
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Medical bills, loss of wages, property damage, and emotional suffering can lead to financial and physical devastation for victims and their families. Contacting the Huntsville car wreck lawyers at Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. is a wise choice to help you recover. We will fight for your rights and get you the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, call us at 256-539-3110 or 888-539-3110, or contact us online. Our Athens and Huntsville, Alabama, offices represent clients throughout North Alabama, including Madison County, Limestone County, Marshall County, Jackson County, Morgan County, and Lauderdale County.
