The consequences of being in a car accident can be far-reaching, permanent, or even deadly. According to the National Safety Council, there were about 4.8 million medically consulted injuries involving car accidents in 2020. More than 42,200 deaths occurred from those crashes too. Nearly all of those injuries and deaths were perfectly preventable. In order to prevent more auto accident injuries and deaths, the public’s attention should be focused on some common causes of car accidents. Here are some of the top common causes of them.
- Speeding: Speed limits are posted for the general safety and welfare of the public. At one time or another, we’ve all been passed by a driver who is traveling far in excess of the speed limit. Excess speed results in longer stopping distances, greater impacts, and more serious injuries in the event of an accident.
- Distracted Driving: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving involves any activity that you might participate in that takes a driver’s attention from the road. Talking on the phone, sending or receiving a text message, using an infotainment center, rubbernecking at another accident scene or even just looking over your shoulder to check on kids in the back seat are all forms of distracted driving. More than 3,000 people per year are killed in distracted driving accidents in the United States.
- Reckless Driving: When a person drives recklessly, it’s something more than negligence and something less than an intentional act. Some typical examples of reckless driving might be excess speed, frequent sudden and abrupt lane changes, following a vehicle ahead too closely, or street racing. Other drivers don’t expect this type of driving behavior, so injuries suffered in reckless driving crashes can range from moderate to fatal.
- Drunk Driving: The dangers of drunk driving and the penalties for it have all been pounded into our memories. Hundreds of thousands of drivers continue to operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both every day. Many repeat offenders are on the road too. A DUI conviction can affect a person’s freedom, employment, and educational and social opportunities. If you’re going someplace where you’ll consume alcohol, either have a designated driver or use taxi, Uber, or Lyft services.
Failure to Obey Red Lights or Stop Signs
Even a child knows that a red light means that you need to stop, and a green light means you can go. They also know that a stop sign means that you’re required to come to a complete stop. Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign can cause a dangerous broadside impact and a rollover. Always come to a complete stop, and look both ways before going past a red light or stop sign.
After being seriously injured or losing a loved one in a car crash, consult with a knowledgeable and respected car accident lawyer as soon as you can. Don’t give the opposing insurance company any type of written or recorded statement about how the accident occurred or your injuries. It will only try to use information that it obtains from you against you in the future to try and devalue any personal injury claim that you might make. If the insurer’s representative says that your file will be closed without a statement, let him or her close it. A quality car accident attorney can have that file quickly opened again so you can pursue the compensation for your injuries and damages that you deserve.