Car accidents are a daily occurrence. While the reasons vary, some common causes reemerge time and time again.
The unfortunate truth about car crashes is that most can be prevented if drivers made adjustments. Our car accident lawyer in Richmond, VA can help you after a car crash. Learn about some of the most common reasons car accidents occur and decide to do what it takes not to become a statistic.
Driving Distracted
With so many distractions readily available to drivers, it is not a surprise that these diversions may contribute to car accidents. Distracted driving is the top cause of crashes. Cell Phones are the number one reason for in-car distractions. Drivers who insist on checking and composing text messages, emails and even taking pictures run the risk of causing a car accident. A person looking at a phone diverts their attention from the road for at least five seconds. This, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. There is a lot that can go on in that time that a distracted driver misses. Cellphones are not the only distraction. Passengers, pets, infotainment centers and food/drink consumption all provide a dangerous level of distraction for drivers.
Excessive Speeding
Speed limits are set based on what the state department of transportation believes is a safe rate of speed for the road. While it may be easy to exceed these at times, it may also result in deadly crashes. Vehicles that exceed the speed limit are unable to stop should something unexpected cross their path. It is also much more difficult to traverse curves at speeds above the posted limit. Single car accidents often occur due to a vehicle that takes a turn too quickly and winds up going off the road.
Driving Under the Influence
Any driver who gets behind the wheel after drinking alcohol is at risk for a crash. Even a single beer may affect the nervous system enough to impair judgment and reaction time. The more alcohol consumed, the slower these reactions become. It is not only alcohol that has this effect on the body. Drugs, including those prescribed by a provider and even some over-the-counter medication, may make a person less apt to remain sharp while operating a vehicle. Fatigue may also result from foreign substances causing a person to pass out for short periods of time without realizing it.
Our car accident lawyer in Richmond, VA can offer assistance in the wake of a car crash. If the at-fault driver admits to one of the above common causes, there is a good chance medical bills and damage associated with the crash will fall to their insurer to cover.
Our car accident lawyer in Richmond, VA may be able to help you deal with the aftermath of a car accident. At MartinWren, P.C, we are ready to walk with you in your pursuit for fair compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver. Contact us to schedule a consultation.