Common Reasons Why Car Accidents Happen

Car accidents can occur at any time. All it takes is one moment, one lack of focus, one simple mistake, and people’s lives could be changed forever. 

They are the number one cause of death in the United States. According to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the mortality rate in car accidents is between 35 and 40 percent. And this only increases with every additional vehicle involved in an accident.

Car Accidents

Most people have no clue what to do following a car accident. If you have recently been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries as a result, you need to do something about it. Start by speaking with an experienced Los Angele s car accident lawyer and receiving a free case evaluation. Once you know your legal options, you will be able to act accordingly and seek compensation for your:

  • Medical bills
  • Damaged property
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

There are many tips that will help you avoid a car accident. Listed below are some of the reasons why car accidents happen in the first place.

Distraction

Getting distracted while driving a car is the worst thing that could happen to you. Before you realize it, you will have a split second to react and try and save your life. Sadly, everything can be a distraction. Most common distractions include:

  • Adjusting the radio
  • Getting lost in your thoughts
  • Eating and drinking while driving
  • Arguing with another passenger
  • Focusing on something by the road
  • Using your smartphone to browse the web, answer messages, make phone calls

Remember that as a driver, every distraction can be your last one. Try and focus on the road, and until you arrive at a target destination, think only about the ride and how to get to where you are going safely.

Driving Under The Influence

In every state in the United States, it is forbidden to drive while under the effect of alcohol. Every driver who does so and is pulled over by the police will lose their driver’s license (or have it suspended for a certain period of time) and may face legal consequences which may include spending some time in jail.

Usually, people who are pulled over due to reckless behaviour on the road, and determined to be under the influence of alcohol are almost always taken into custody. They will spend the night in jail, and depending on what they did the previous night, they may end up getting released with a warning, with a ticket, or kept in prison.

If this happens to you, remember that you have the right to seek help from an attorney. If you do not have an attorney on speed dial, contact a car accident attorney in Los Angeles and schedule a free consultation.

Tail-Gating

Driving just behind another car is considered extremely dangerous. What if they have to hit the brakes suddenly, and being too close, you end up smashing into their vehicle. Most drivers do not enjoy being tail-gated by another driver as it causes tension and puts pressure on them. 

If you are being tail-gated by another driver, slow down and let them pass. If they continue to drive behind you, move to the side of the road until they pass. If they still persist, contact the police. 

Speeding

Speed limitation exists for a reason. Driving within the limit will keep you safe both from getting in an accident and getting pulled over by the police. If you drive too fast, you will eventually get pulled over and have to pay for a ticket. Also, the faster you drive, the more chances you have to end up in a car accident. Remember that it is the speed that kills. 

At the same time, if you are driving too slow, you may also get pulled over and warned about your current speed. Try to balance between going too fast and going too slow; or simply, drive within the speed limit.

Driving While Exhausted

If you had a long day at work and you cannot wait to get some sleep, perhaps driving home is not the safest option. Exhaustion will cause you to lose focus, and make mistakes as you drive. Before you know it, your eyes will start to shut down and you may wake up in a hospital, or even worse: never wake up again! Take the very first sign of exhaustion seriously, and call a cab. Or, call your spouse or another family member to come and pick you up. 

In case you do end up in an accident, be sure to reach out to experienced Los Angeles car Accident Attorneys. Perhaps it was not your fault that the accident happened. Let attorneys investigate and help you determine fault.

Improperly Maintained Vehicle

If you are using your vehicle every day to travel, you should at least invest some money in it every once in a while to keep it well-maintained. This includes:

  • Checking the fluids
  • Using proper tires (winter and summer)
  • Replacing your windshield wipers
  • Replacing your brakes when necessary
  • Making sure that your lights are all properly working

Car maintenance can be a bit expensive, but you invest in your own comfort and safety. And your safety and wellbeing are priceless.

Reckless Driving

No one likes aggressive drivers. If you spot someone switching lanes without signalization, or being aggressive towards other drivers, or showing signs with their fingers, simply ignore those drivers and let them be. If you spot police down the road, let them know that there is a reckless driver nearby and provide them with details and information about that driver’s vehicle. Other than that, keep your lane, watch the road ahead and have a safe ride.

Driving During Extreme Weather

The elements can be unforgiving. Heavy rain, snow or ice can and will increase the risk of an accident. If you are driving during extreme weather, be sure to use proper lights, slow down, and have full control of your vehicle at all times. Do not speed up unnecessarily, and firmly hold your steering wheel with both hands. In case of an accident, get in touch with a car accident attorney in Los Angeles and seek legal help and representation.

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