Driving can be dangerous. While you may practice good driving habits, there is no guarantee that the other drivers on the road will be doing the same. In fact, there are numerous factors which are often beyond your control that may lead to a car accident. Below, our blog outlines several of the common causes of car accidents as well as what you should do if you are involved in a wreck.
- Distracted driving: From talking on a cell phone to grabbing a bite to eat, any action which takes a driver’s attention off of the road, even for a moment, can constitute a substantial risk. In fact according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013, nearly one in five crashes involved a distracted driver.
- Drunk Driving: While it may be common knowledge that driving while under the influence (DUI) can be deadly, year after year, it remains a problem in the United States. According to the Department of Justice, more than a million people were arrested for DUI of drugs or alcohol in 2014 alone. A percentage of these individuals would then go on to drive on a suspended license.
- Bad weather: Sub-optimal road conditions caused by bad weather can increase the risk of accidents when drivers find themselves ill-prepared to deal with heavy rains or frozen-over roads. For example, fresh rainfall can pull up oils on the street, reducing a car's traction. A driver who is not paying attention or who did not adjust for bad weather may quickly find themselves out of control on a busy road.
- Inexperience: Make no mistake, learning how to safely operate a vehicle is a process which can take years. In fact, new drivers are among those who are at the greatest risk of car accidents. Drivers who have only been on the road for a few years may not be able to recognize road hazards or react to them as quickly as more experienced motorists.
- Road rage: Anger can be a powerful emotion, blinding even, and it has no place on the road. When a person begins making choices out of anger, such as tailgating, speeding, or “brake checking”, accidents can quickly follow.
- Driver fatigue: Did you know that driving while sleepy may be just as dangerous as getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks? While the urge to sleep may be postponed momentarily, it cannot be put off indefinitely and it will overtake a driver, no matter how much willpower they think they have. Falling asleep on the road can be deadly.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Us Today
The unfortunate truth is that no amount of preparedness may be able to prevent collisions on the road. However, if you have been involved in an accident, you may be able to seek monetary compensation for your damages.
At Eliot Reiner, APLC, we know that you are likely to have many questions in the wake of an accident. We are here to help. Our lead Sacramento car accident attorney possesses decades of legal experience and has a proven track record of success, recovering millions for clients in past cases.
Call (916) 778-3228 or schedule a FREE consultation online and discuss your case with us today.