Driver Negligence
One of the most frequent culprits is driver negligence, either due to inattentive driving or by operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drivers are responsible for following all traffic laws and doing their part in keeping others safe. When they fail, through any number of reasons, others are put at risk.
To prove negligence, it is essential to demonstrate that the other person’s actions or inactions are what directly caused the accident to occur. You also must show that the other person’s actions caused you to suffer physical injuries and financial loss.
Reckless behavior by drivers, such as cutting someone off or failing to yield to pedestrians, can easily lead to an accident, too. Ultimately, the primary cause of car accidents is usually neglect of the rules for safe driving. Keeping your full attention on the road and following driving laws is key to avoiding them.
Speak with a Charlotte car accident lawyer and get a free consultation today.
Call (980) 294-4931Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can also lead to an increase in car accidents, caused by climate-related issues such as pooled water, ice, and snow that create hazardous road surfaces. Unsafe road conditions can create serious risks even when drivers take the time to slow down.
What is important to know is that even when road conditions are poor, drivers remain responsible for their actions. They must slow down or adjust their driving to match the conditions. If it is unsafe to drive, they should not.
If road conditions contributed to an accident you were in, that is an important consideration. However, if another person caused your injuries resulting from poor conditions, they are still responsible for the damage they cause to you. Talk to a Charlotte personal injury lawyer today.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a risk that the average motorist does not take seriously enough. Studies have indicated that drowsiness on the road can be more dangerous than drunk driving, yet most drivers fail to take the necessary steps to avoid it. Driving when tired impairs reaction time and reduces our capacity to make good decisions.
Furthermore, one of the leading causes of catastrophic vehicle accidents is drowsy drivers who simply drift off at the wheel or make ill-advised maneuvers due to sluggishness behind the wheel. When you are tired, you are less likely to make wise decisions.
It is essential to plan long trips carefully and pay attention to signs of fatigue during shorter journeys in order to reduce the risk of drowsy driving as much as possible. Taking regular breaks and avoiding certain medications before getting into a car are just two steps that can help keep drivers safe from this silent danger.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a popular term in recent years as more and more people are caught texting and talking on their phones while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, distracted driving can be incredibly dangerous and often leads to dangerous car accidents.
Studies have shown that using a phone while driving can increase crash risk by up to 400% while significantly reducing reaction time (Fatal Distraction: Cell Phone Use While Driving).
This means it can take a driver twice as long to react in a dangerous situation, making an accident much more likely. Although many people still use their phones while behind the wheel, the consequences of not focusing 100% on the road could be far worse than any benefits of multitasking.
Distraction can happen in many ways, including simply daydreaming while behind the wheel. Many times, drivers do not realize they are at risk of harming others, and in some situations, they may believe they have no choice. When accidents happen, distraction can be hard to prove, but it is a very common reason such incidents occur.
Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving is a deadly mix. Alcohol affects our motor skills and judgment, making it incredibly dangerous to get behind the wheel of a car after having a few drinks. Not only can drunk drivers cause accidents that seriously hurt or kill themselves, their passengers, or innocent bystanders, but they also risk facing steep fines and even jail time if caught.
If you are in an accident and you suspect the other driver was intoxicated at the time, let the police know at the scene. They will gather evidence to determine whether that is the case.
Your drunk driving accident lawyer in Charlotte can gather evidence to substantiate these claims as well. That may include obtaining witness information or seeking data, such as BAC test results. The more aggressively they gather evidence, the easier it is to prove why this accident happened.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving differs from reckless driving in terms of intent. A person who is aggressive is purposefully engaging in behavior they know is risky and putting others at risk as a result. Examples of aggressive driving include:
- Tailgating, or following the person in front very closely
- Cutting off a driver by passing them too closely in front of them
- Failing to yield the right of way when merging
- Not allowing another driver to merge
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Speeding recklessly down the roadway
All of these situations pose significant risks to other drivers and are often intentional. These types of accidents often involve illegal acts, but are often done due to rage or anger behind the wheel, making them particularly dangerous. Victims of aggressive driving deserve legal assistance in seeking fair compensation for the losses they have suffered.
In Pain? Call Shane!
Aggressive, distracted, drunk, and drowsy driving are just a few of the most common causes of car accidents in the Charlotte area.
Our team has helped thousands of injury victims recover compensation for their losses. Talk to a Charlotte car accident lawyer from Shane Smith Law today.
