Car Accident Lawyer
As much as we try to avoid car accidents, they happen daily. Sometimes these car accidents are only minor bumps that quickly buff out. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case; a car accident can even take someone’s life. We’ll explore five of the top factors that can lead to car accidents.
- Driving While Under the Influence
Unfortunately, many car accidents occur because a person was drinking or using other substances. Drugs and alcohol can produce various consequences while driving. For starters, these substances can slow down a person’s reaction time. As a result, they may think they have plenty of time to stop before a red light only to slam into the car in front of them. Furthermore, drugs and alcohol can make people engage in behavior they usually wouldn’t. For example, a sober driver may never consider trying to pass multiple vehicles simultaneously while on the highway. A drunk driver, however, may suddenly think they’re a stunt driver, only to end up ramming another car.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another leading factor in car accidents. Technically, you could call driving while under the influence distracted driving, but many other examples exist. Exhaustion is another example, alongside using the phone while driving, eating or drinking, turning radio stations, having too many rowdy passengers in your vehicle, etc.
- The Weather
You should avoid driving when it’s raining or during a winter storm. Unfortunately, sometimes this is unavoidable, especially if you need to go to work. Driving experience can definitely factor into your ability to handle less than favorable weather conditions. However, even the most skilled driver can’t always handle a nasty storm. If you must drive during unfavorable conditions, always exercise caution, even if this means going 20mph less than you usually do.
- Poor Road Conditions
Probably to no one’s surprise, most car accidents happen in big urban areas like the city. However, the most deadly of these accidents often happens in rural areas. Different factors lead to this somewhat of a paradox. One major factor is often the quality of roads. The U.S. suffers from crumbling infrastructure throughout, but the problem can often become more prevalent the further you get away from major streets. Problems like potholes and mismarked signage can all cause car accidents.
- Aggressive Driving
Just about every driver is guilty of violating the rules of the road at least once. Chances are, you may have driven over the speed limit when you slept in too much one day. While violating the rules of the road is never good, there’s definitely a distinction between going a little over the speed limit and engaging in behavior that severely puts another driver at risk. Actions like not using a seatbelt, tailgating another person, extremely speeding, running red lights or stop signs, weaving in and out of traffic, etc, can all be considered examples of aggressive driving. When an accident occurs due to this behavior, you may need help from a car accident lawyer—something our friends at Patterson Bray PLLC agree with.