Nobody plans to get into a car accident, but the statistics show that over 12 million vehicles in the US are involved in car accidents annually. If you do experience one, Virginia personal injury lawyers can help you claim against damages caused by another driver. Accident victims often face challenges such as medical bills and lost wages, making legal representation crucial to secure fair compensation. Nevertheless, every motorist would rather prevent the situation altogether.
While there is no way to eliminate the threat of car accidents, you can significantly reduce the risks by understanding the most common causes and implementing the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. Focus on the five below, and you will hopefully avoid ever needing a car accident attorney.
The Leading Causes of Auto Accidents
Distracted Driving
Research states that distracted driving causes over 360,000 injuries and 3,000 deaths in the US each year. It is undoubtedly one of the most common causes of car accidents, not least because most drivers have been guilty of distracted driving at least once.
Distracted driving takes many forms such as texting, eating, or changing the radio station. Even interacting with passengers could potentially cause a distraction. Unfortunately, it only takes a split second for a car accident to change your life forever. Therefore, recognizing the risks and modifying your in-car behaviors accordingly is essential.
The harsh reality is that you may still require a car accident lawyer due to another road user’s distracted driving. However, staying focused on the road at all times will allow you to avoid simple errors while also enabling you to spot potentially dangerous drivers and implement a quick response if a dangerous situation arises.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving Under the Influence isn’t only illegal, carrying a maximum jail sentence of five years. It also endangers lives and is responsible for 27% of all road fatalities in Virginia as well as thousands of crashes each year.
In Virginia, a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher is illegal. However, even a small level of intoxication from drugs and/or alcohol can impair a driver’s reactions, sight, and coordination. Similarly, it may cause you to make rash decisions behind the wheel, such as taking greater risks.
Driving under the influence can complicate a car accident case, making it crucial to have experienced attorneys to navigate these complexities. Moreover, Virginia personal injury lawyers won’t be able to offer as much help if you were driving under the influence. Therefore, finding alternatives like having a designated driver or getting an Uber home is always advised. Even if traveling a short distance, driving whilst intoxicated is never the answer.
Speeding
Speed limits might not always be fun, but they are there for a reason. Speeding is responsible for over 12,000 deaths in America annually while thousands of car accident incidents record speeding as a leading or contributing factor.
While exact distances will depend on the vehicle and climate conditions, the average braking distance at 60mph is almost twice that of 40mph. Drivers have reduced control of the vehicle at high speeds which is why high speed accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries or worse. If you are injured in an auto accident caused by speeding, work with a Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer, where establishing fault and proving injuries are crucial for recovering damages.
Even if you feel in control of the vehicle, other road users will be driving at the speed limit, which causes another potential threat of collisions. Obeying the speed limit, which extends to temporary adjustments due to issues like roadworks is essential if you wish to protect yourself, passengers, other divers, and pedestrians alike.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving may be defined as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, racing others, ignoring road signs, rubbernecking, sudden braking, and related behaviors. In any instance, it is an issue that’s on the rise and extends to drivers from all demographics.
Committing offenses of this nature can lead to legal repercussions and make it harder to gain the right verdict following a car accident, even if you have a good personal injury attorney. More importantly, it puts you at greater risk of car accidents including incidents involving other drivers as well as crashes into stationary objects. If you are injured by a reckless driver, car accident lawyers can help navigate the complex legal and insurance processes to help you.
Whether driving your vehicle on company time or for personal matters, you must stay responsible behind the wheel. Traffic laws exist for a reason. From avoiding dangerous habits to notifying other drivers of your intentions by using items like turn signals, those simple steps will keep you safer on the road.
Weather Conditions
Virginia is known for its increasingly hot and humid climate. However, the region can still be affected by adverse weather conditions including rain, snow, and fog. When this happens, drivers must adjust their driving habits to avoid car accidents.
Wet conditions, for example, will increase your braking distances and could cause the car to slide. Ice will cause similar problems while fog and snow also harm visibility. Slowing down in these conditions is vital as it is better to arrive at your destinations a few minutes late than not at all. Similarly, you should leave a larger gap to the car in front.
It may also be necessary to change your route. Sticking to highways and major streets that have had snow cleared, for example, will reduce your risks. Every car accident lawyer will confirm that weather conditions are a contributing factor on many occasions. Be extra cautious in harsh conditions and you can avoid this problem.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Vehicle malfunctions are a significant cause of road accidents, often leading to dangerous situations that are beyond the control of the driver. If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver’s vehicle malfunction or due to negligence in maintaining roads or infrastructure, a car accident attorney can assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.
Common vehicle malfunctions, such as tire blowouts, brake failures, and engine problems, can suddenly put you at risk without warning. These incidents are particularly alarming, as road crashes remain a leading cause of death for individuals aged 1-54, with vehicle malfunctions being a frequent underlying factor. Understanding and responding to warning signs on your dashboard is crucial in preventing accidents, but when another driver fails to maintain their vehicle, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences.
Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections are key to avoiding such malfunctions, but when an accident does occur due to someone else’s negligence, it’s vital to gather evidence to support your claim. Not only does this protect your rights, but it also ensures that the responsible party is held accountable. Taking these steps can lead to a safer driving environment for everyone and help you achieve a more secure and just outcome after an unfortunate incident.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while feeling fatigued or sleepy, leading to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased awareness. This dangerous condition can be just as hazardous as driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 91,000 crashes, 50,000 injuries, and nearly 800 deaths annually in the United States. However, experts believe the true numbers are significantly higher, as drowsy driving is often underreported.
Fatigue affects a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, react to sudden changes on the road, and maintain consistent vehicle control. Even a momentary lapse in attention due to drowsiness can lead to catastrophic consequences, making it a serious public safety issue. If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, gathering evidence to prove their negligence is crucial for your case.
The Importance of Legal Representation After a Car Accident
In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in a car accident, having the right car accident lawyer by your side is not just beneficial—it’s essential. An experienced car accident attorney can be the difference between receiving minimal compensation and securing the maximum compensation you deserve. The legal landscape surrounding car accident cases can be complex, and insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Without proper legal guidance, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the legal process and under-compensated for your serious injuries.
Virginia car accident lawyers specialize in helping accident victims navigate these challenges. They understand the nuances of car accident claims and are adept at handling negotiations with insurance companies. Moreover, if your case requires litigation, these car accident attorneys can represent you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for medical expenses, property damage, and other related costs.
How Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Navigate the Process
Additionally, a car accident lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case, whether that involves proving the other driver’s negligence, consulting with medical professionals, or demonstrating the full extent of your emotional trauma and medical costs. With their expertise, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complexities of your car accident lawsuit.
Work With a Virginia Auto Accident Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Case
Car accidents are a serious risk, but you can reduce the likelihood of an accident by practicing safe driving habits and staying aware of potential dangers. Whether it’s paying greater attention to your vehicle’s health or improving your driving behavior, taking proactive steps now is essential. However, if an accident does occur, seeking legal representation is crucial to ensure all aspects of your recovery, including medical treatment, insurance claims, and compensation, are properly addressed.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, making it challenging for accident victims to receive the maximum compensation they deserve. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of a personal injury lawsuit, ensuring your car accident case is handled effectively and that you receive fair compensation for your serious injuries and losses.
Meanwhile, if you do experience a car accident and need a Virginia car accident lawyer, call our team at Renfro & Renfro. We specialize in helping car accident victims navigate their rights, seek compensation, and deal with insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation.
