Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents can range in severity and damages caused, such as minor property damage and wrongful death. Car culture is ingrained in America’s modern society, and while many areas have excellent public transportation, millions of Americans depend on their vehicles for everyday needs. Unfortunately, car accidents are one of the most common personal injury types, and this blog will explore the top reasons why these accidents happen.
- Driving Under the Influence
While there are certainly horror stories about a person drinking a bottle or more of whiskey and going 100mph, a DUI accident can occur due to far lesser amounts as well. Drinking or engaging in drugs alters a person’s perception and ability to respond in real time. As a result, a person may not brake in time, or they may engage in behaviors they normally wouldn’t like speeding.
- Road Rage or Aggressive Driving
While road rage and aggressive driving generally overlap, the main difference is that road rage disregards the safety of other drivers while aggressive driving involves disobeying certain traffic rules like speeding or tailgating another vehicle. Road rage can target specific drivers, like a driver becoming annoyed that the car in front of them is going too slow for their liking (whether or not the “slow” driver in question is obeying the speed limit.) Aggressive driving is directed to the roadway as a whole, such as a driver dangerously weaving in and out of traffic lanes like they’re in a Nascar race versus on the highway driving home from work.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted takes many forms, including:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Listening to loud music
- Eating or drinking
- Self-grooming (like using an electric shaver or applying make-up)
Distracted driving can also be more of a person’s overall mood. For example, someone who recently had a fight with their spouse and decided to drive even though their emotions aren’t letting them focus.
- Drowsy Driving
Some studies show that driving while exhausted can be as harmful as driving while under the influence. Completing your work on the computer can be challenging when drowsy, and trying to operate a machine that weighs 4,000 pounds or more can be deadly. Drivers should avoid the road if they feel exhausted, especially if they need to drive long distances. A driver accidentally closing their eyes for a few seconds can result in a car accident.
- Weather or Road Conditions
Of course, not every accident is the direct consequence of a driver or drivers’ actions. Poor weather and road conditions can play a role as well. Driving while it’s raining, snowing, or during the aftermath of bad weather can cause an accident. Likewise, driving at night can limit a person’s visibility, making it harder to respond to a potential collision. Road conditions also play a role, such as crumbling infrastructure, narrow roads, or improperly marked signage. Whether you believe a car accident was the direct result of the other driver’s negligence or several factors, a car accident lawyer can help agrees with.
