Car accidents are unfortunately very common in the United States and most of these traffic accidents are caused by simple human error. While some are relatively minor, thousands of lives are lost each year due to these terrible car accidents. Considering that your life may be at risk if you drive in an unsafe manner, it is important to drive carefully and follow all traffic laws.
However, just because you’re careful doesn’t mean you can ensure that all other drivers on the road will do the same. If you are in a car accident, it may not be your fault, and you should not be held liable for damages caused by the ignorance or mistakes of other drivers. In such cases, you must protect yourself legally by filing a car accident claim. There are many damages, pains, and frustrations that can arise as a result of a car accident, and it is best to protect your life above all else.
Each year, car accidents cause hundreds of thousands of injuries and nearly 35,000 deaths in the United States. In fact, traffic collisions are the leading cause of preventable deaths in our country. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of the major factors that contribute to car accidents.
Below is a list of the main causes of traffic accidents.
- Speeding while driving and reckless driving: Failure to follow the speed limit is the most common cause of traffic accidents in the United States.
- Mobile phone use – texting while driving: The proliferation of mobile phone use has led to an increased level of danger on our roads. In response, national and state legislatures have passed strict anti-texting laws; While the judicial system has begun to prosecute with involuntary manslaughter people who were texting while driving when this caused an accident that resulted in deaths.
- Other forms of distracted driving – There are numerous types of distracted driving. Some of the most common types of distractions that result in high incidences of traffic accidents include eating, smoking, listening to loud music or changing the dial, reaching for objects in the vehicle, and looking at or talking to other passengers in the vehicle.
- Driver fatigue – falling asleep at the wheel – According to recently published studies, driver fatigue is the cause of 2.5-3.0 percent of all traffic accident-related deaths in the United States. An individual who has a history of falling asleep at the wheel may be prosecuted for a crime.
- Drunk driving – and driving under the influence of a narcotic substance: According to various studies, driving while under the influence of alcohol results in a 900% increase in the chance of a car accident.
- Flipping frequently, this is another type of distracted driving and takes place when drivers look at other things on the road not linked to their driving. Examples include looking at other accidents, watching sunsets, and pleasant views.
- Defective car and car parts – common mechanical defects that can cause serious injury to car occupants, these defects can be: tire defects, defective vehicle design, etc.
- Road construction defects – Improper road design results in hundreds of deaths each year. Responsible parties may include Caltrans and construction contractors for improper installation of traffic lights and road signs.
- Bad weather conditions – Some examples of weather conditions that pose the greatest dangers to motorists on the road include, icy roads, strong winds and rain after a prolonged drought resulting in oily surfaces.
- Improper calculation of construction zones – Road work is necessary to maintain and develop countries’ transport infrastructure. However, in many cases, road construction workers fail to safely isolate construction, resulting in an increased likelihood of car accidents.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Car Accident?
In the unfortunate scenario of you or a loved one being part of a car accident, the best thing you can do is seek legal representation quickly. Our experienced car accident attorneys will help you avoid costly mistakes that many people make when dealing with insurance companies that often seek their best interests, not yours.
Remember, you only get a personal injury settlement. Don’t you think you should do everything you can to maximize your compensation?
If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault and believe you deserve compensation, then call our bilingual law offices immediately or get a free consultation with an experienced California car accident attorney and find out how we can help you.