Being involved in a car accident is undoubtedly one of the most stressful situations a person can encounter. It can result in significant emotional and physical distress that may take a considerable amount of time to heal, along with the potential for extensive property damage. You purchase a vehicle with the hope and expectation that nothing harmful will occur while driving, since you always prioritize safety, right?
Unfortunately, safety is not solely under your control, as you share the road with many others. Take California, for instance. Car accidents happen daily, resulting in numerous fatalities.
If you intend to drive in that area, you need to familiarize yourself with the primary reasons for collisions, so you can avoid them.
Speeding
This may not come as a surprise, as speeding consistently ranks as one of the top causes of car accidents globally; however, in California, this issue may be more pronounced than in other states. The danger of speeding lies in its ability to reduce a driver’s reaction time, no matter how experienced they believe they are.
When traveling at excessive speeds, drivers simply lack the control needed over their vehicles, and situations that could have been avoided at lower speeds swiftly become inevitable. Moreover, speeding significantly increases the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes, in stark contrast to accidents that occur at more moderate speeds. The force generated in a high-speed collision is enormous, often leading to tragic consequences.
Driving under the influence
One would think that people would be more aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, yet this is clearly not the case. Data indicates that alcohol was a contributing factor in over 23,000 automobile accidents in 2012 alone. Such incidents resulted in a staggering number of fatalities and severe injuries. As outlined on https://www.hamparyan.com/san-diego-car-accident-attorney/, it is critical to secure a qualified automobile accident lawyer in situations like these.
An attorney can demonstrate that the other driver was negligent due to their intoxication and can help you obtain financial compensation for the physical and emotional distress you suffered.
Yet, alcohol isn’t the sole substance causing traffic incidents. Many individuals also drive while under the influence of drugs. Statistics reveal that in 2013, one-third of drivers who perished in crashes had some form of drug in their system. This highlights the serious consequences of such reckless behavior, resulting in unnecessary loss of life.
Outside distractions
Technology plays a significant role in this alarming trend. While precise figures are elusive, numerous car accidents in California occur because one or both drivers were distracted, often by their smartphones. If speaking on the phone while driving is dangerous, imagine how much riskier texting is—something many people engage in today due to the plethora of messaging apps available.
In fact, some studies suggest that texting while driving can be more hazardous than operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol! It seems that talking might still be safer than interacting with a device while behind the wheel.
Failure to comply with traffic regulations
A multitude of accidents also stems from drivers not adhering to traffic laws, leading to devastating consequences. Running red lights is alarmingly common, and doing so at a busy intersection can almost guarantee a fatal accident. Additionally, some disregard stop signs, which can have similarly severe outcomes.
Perhaps the most concerning issue is lane changing inappropriately—a behavior some mistakenly believe demonstrates skillful driving, whereas it actually reflects recklessness and a lack of consideration for others’ safety, as well as one’s own.
External factors
While most accidents result directly from driver actions, there are instances where factors beyond a driver’s control come into play. Manufacturing defects can lead to serious problems on the road, which is why regular vehicle maintenance is essential to minimize such risks.
Furthermore, it is crucial to stay informed regarding road conditions. Poor road quality can unexpectedly lead to accidents.
Ultimately, your goal should be to prevent accidents whenever possible. However, if they do occur, ensure that they aren’t attributed to your negligence. It is relatively straightforward to follow traffic laws and drive cautiously, but sometimes the other driver may not be as responsible. This is when enlisting a lawyer to pursue your rightful compensation becomes necessary.
