Why Do Car Accidents Happen

Five Common Reasons

Motor vehicle crashes happen in various ways. It can be a single-car accident or two cars that were involved, they happen in more than just one way. Whether it's a rear-end collision, head-on, or a side-impact crash, there are a variety of reasons why they happen. Although adverse weather conditions account for a lot of crashes, they typically are because of dangerous drivers who commit driver error more often than not. Negligent behaviors, such as distracted driving or speeding, frequently contribute to both severe and non-fatal crashes. Dangerous situations like these often result in fatal car accidents. Hines Law Firm explains the more habitual ways an accident happens on the road and how their accident lawyers can help. 

How Did You Get Into A Car Accident?

Whether another driver was speeding, navigating heavy traffic during afternoon rush hour,  or didn't leave adequate space when they stopped, alert drivers run a lower risk of accidents than distracted ones. Most fatal and non-fatal crashes can be attributed to driver error. Let's explore some of the common causes below:

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving can lead to many dangerous conditions like vehicle damage, severe injuries and even crash fatalities. Being a drunk driver or under the influence of drugs can completely strip you of your motor vehicle skills and reduce your reaction time. Slower reaction times automatically increase the likelihood of collisions, let alone unsafe speeds and poor road conditions. For drivers under the influence of alcohol in Georgia, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is .08% for drivers 21 and over. However, if you're under the legal limit, you are still considered an intoxicated driver and can still be distracted enough to cause an alcohol-related crash. 

Speeding

Speeding and/or aggressive driving is a very common cause of traffic crashes as it puts those on the road - including pedestrians - in dangerous situations. The higher the speed, the more aggressive behaviors and the easier it is to lose vehicle control. Excessive speeding not only makes vehicle control more difficult, but it makes it harder to pay attention to roadway markings and adjust to road conditions. Although Georgia is top 10 in the least speeding crash fatalities this year, it is still something that needs to be addressed and still causes a great deal of pain for those affected whether it’s fatal or not. Reckless driving and disregarding the speed limit is another way to claim driver negligence towards the fault party when they have disregarded traffic laws.

Vehicle Malfunction

This usually requires a broad investigation when trying to sue for compensation, but it definitely happens. Mechanical failure usually includes damaged headlights, brake failure, issues with your steering wheel, problems with your tires, or your windshield wipers being inconsistent during poor weather conditions or road conditions. Again, trying to prove negligence with this cause is a little more comprehensive than others, but it can be taken to court.

Distracted Driving

Outside of driving under the influence of alcohol or going over the speed limit, distracted road users or inexperienced teen drivers usually contribute to a good amount of fatal accidents.  Distracted or reckless driving includes practicing dangerous maneuvers on the road, texting or using a cell phone while driving, drowsy driving, eating while driving, listening to loud music or participating in any type of distraction while driving on the road. Being distracted makes it harder to keep a safe following distance or react to sudden lane changes from other drivers and usually leads to defensive driving. This can be the easier way to prove the fault driver was a distracted driver due to their inability or failure to abide by the traffic laws, ignore road signs, and protect themselves and others on the road.

Tailgating

Another common reason for an automobile accident on the road is tailgating, which is simply when the driver behind a vehicle leaves little to no distance between them and the car in front of them. It will leave almost no time for drivers to react when the front car has braked suddenly. Motor vehicle accident statistics show that these kinds of driving habits are responsible for 33 percent of road accidents according to the Highways’ Agency. It is always best to keep a safe distance if you're the car riding behind to avoid a rear-end accident.

What To Do When Involved In A Car Accident?

The aftermath of traffic accidents can cause plenty of confusion for everyone involved. You may be injured, in complete shock, or witnessed a fatality due to all of this happening. However, there are some vital steps that you will need to take in order to get the financial compensation you’re deserving of. Here are some things to do immediately after a car accident:

1. Call 911: The very first step is speaking with authorities on what just happened. It is important to acquire a police report or any type of documentation from them in order to proceed with your lawsuit.
2. Take Pictures of The Scene: Videos, pictures, and anything that shows proof of any property damage or injuries acquired in the accident. This will play an integral part in getting your fair compensation and trying to prove negligence.
3. Seek Medical Help: Whether you believe you were injured or not, please get help from your doctor right after. Not only does this add to the documentation you need in your suit, but it can potentially prevent any future injuries that could be lingering from your car accident.
4. Talk With Your Insurance Company: Making an insurance claim afterwards is important as well. When going to your insurance company to make an accident claim, be sure to have someone accompany you on your visit. Due to some insurance companies giving you the smallest compensation for your accident possible, having someone by your side will lower the chances of that happening.
5. Speak With An Experienced Car Accident Attorney: Our car accident lawyers will take every step with you through this process. We will help file your paperwork, talk to police about the incident, and are proud to help accident victims receive a fair settlement for all their pain and suffering.

Contact Hines Law Firm Today For A Free Consultation

Are you a victim of a recent car accident because of excessive speeding, bad weather or another human error in Georgia? Are you seeking lawyers who will take charge of your case, keep you updated every step of the way, and strive to obtain the highest possible compensation without any out-of-pocket upfront expenses? The auto accident attorneys at Hines Law Firm have been doing just that for decades. We fight to get you maximum compensation for your personal injury case.  Contact our law offices today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer to learn about your legal options.