Thousands of lives are lost every year because of road accidents. Drivers must be aware of the dangers they face when they sit behind the wheel to ensure everyone’s safety. Learning about the common causes of road accidents can help make everyone safer and prevent some possible injuries. Fatal car accidents happen when no one expects them, and they happen for many reasons, including distracted driving and mechanical failures. Read the following article to learn more about the common causes of road accidents and what are some of the most important legal tips you should be familiar with in case one happens to you.
Distracted Driving
Many car accidents happen because the drivers are distracted. This happens when their minds wander to anything other than the road. Chatting on the phone, eating, texting, and using navigation apps are all common examples. Distractions like this can make it harder for drivers to pay attention on the road and avoid accidents. They cannot respond quickly enough to any unexpected situations. One measure to decrease this risk is to prohibit the use of portable devices while driving. Every driver needs to be aware that even slight distractions can have fatal results. Using hands-free devices can be one way to reduce this danger.
Speeding
When drivers go beyond the speed limit, they leave themselves less time to respond to unexpected road conditions. Overspeeding causes drivers to skid while navigating curves or not stop quickly enough to avoid colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians. Just like a car accident attorney in Atlanta says, the results can devastate everyone, even the perpetrator. Adhering to the speed limit significantly reduces the chances of serious injury or fatal collisions. These restrictions are made based on the current road conditions, so they are here to ensure the safety of all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Also, there are traffic cameras and police patrols in some areas, and thanks to them, there are fewer high-speed accidents.
Weather conditions
The weather can have a huge impact on driving. Conditions like precipitation, ice, fog, and snow increase the chances of road accidents since the weather changes the road conditions and makes it harder to see what is in front of you. Slippery roads diminish a vehicle’s handling skills and increase stopping lengths. This is why drivers must adapt their driving to the current weather forecast. Slowing down, turning on the headlights, and keeping a safe distance are all important actions to take. Also, before heading on the road, you should check your tires and brakes.
Vehicle defects
Accidents can also happen unexpectedly due to vehicle problems, such as malfunctioning brakes, airbags, or engines. Some of them may not be obvious immediately before they turn into major problems. As a car owner, you should regularly maintain it and check for any signs of damage. Qualified mechanics can also conduct regular checks to spot any concerns and fix them before they cause greater problems.
Tiredness
When you are tired, you are less likely to pay attention to the road, putting yourself and others at great risk. If you feel like you cannot handle your tiredness anymore, pull over to a safe area. You can take a nap, as it will help you revitalize and prepare to keep going, and you can have a cup of coffee to boost your energy.
Drunk driving
Drunk driving is extremely dangerous as it reduces coordination, delays response times, and impedes judgment. When a person is under the influence, they should ask a sober driver to give them a ride or use other transportation choices like taxis or rideshare services. If you see someone who drives intoxicated, call the police, as they will do their best to make roads safer and stop the terrible results of drunk driving.
Reckless driving
Various risky actions endanger everyone on the road. Aggressive maneuvers, running red lights, excessive lane changes, and tailgating are all dangerous actions that reckless drivers do and put everyone at risk. You must be patient and practice defensive driving methods to prevent accidents if you face careless drivers. Always maintain a safe distance, pay attention to the traffic signs, and think carefully about everything before you act furiously.
Important legal tips
Stay calm
Make sure no one is seriously injured after a car accident. If someone is, then call 911 as soon as possible. An official report is essential for insurance claims and legal matters, so you should also contact the police even if the accident seems insignificant and small.
Move to the safe side of the road
You should safely move to the side of the road to make sure no more cars will be involved in the accident. Turn on the emergency lights and stay in the vehicle until the help comes.
Gather important information
Once you confirm everyone is okay, ask other drivers for all relevant information, including their names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance details. There may also be witnesses who saw everything that happened, so ask for their personal information as well.
Take photos of the accident scene
Photograph the site of the accident and any relevant road signs or traffic signals. This visual proof can be highly important when you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Do not admit fault
Following an accident, you can be under huge pressure, but make sure this does not make you admit any fault. Doing this can potentially hurt your claim and be used against you in future legal processes.
File a report
You should file an accident report, especially if there is substantial harm, injuries, or fatalities. Dealing with insurance companies will be much easier if you have an official report, so consult your personal injury attorney to help you fight for your rights.
Road accidents can be a real nightmare, especially if there is some major damage you need to deal with and injuries that will harm your quality of life. Many things cause them, and usually, it is disobeying the traffic laws, distracted driving, drunk driving, and other harmful activities on the road that put everyone at risk.
