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Car accidents can happen because of anything, from distractions to sudden health problems like seizures. If you’re aware of the risks involved, it is easier to take some preventive measures and avoid serious injuries. At Eltringham Law Group, we always encourage drivers to be vigilant and be on the lookout for dangers while on the road.
Unfortunately, some crashes happen without warning. In such cases, you need to seek out a qualified attorney with experience in vehicular accidents for legal assistance. Here’s a look at some of the most common accident lawyer cases so that you know when to contact an attorney.
Car Accidents Happen Frequently
According to the latest road safety facts – not just in South Florida but throughout the U.S. – there are roughly 4.4 million injuries each year due to car crashes. Even though we can’t account for the reasoning and cause behind every single car crash, in South Florida, there are 15 common causes that most car accidents share.
1. Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Florida. While most people know that driving with impaired judgment is dangerous, it doesn’t stop people from indulging in it.
One person every 52 minutes dies in a drunk driving accident every single day. Despite the known dangers of driving intoxicated, negligent drivers still get behind the wheel and cause accidents. DUI is a frequent problem in Florida and throughout the nation.
2. Speeding
It is tempting to step on an accelerator, especially if you have a clean stretch of road before you. Unfortunately, giving in to the temptation can lead to serious accidents as well. Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents and related fatalities.
Speeding cars are extremely difficult to maneuver and control. On top of that, a car speeding above 60 miles per hour can cause severe property damages and fatal accidents to occur. Unfortunately, despite its clear danger and risks, people in South Florida speed all the time.
3. Distracted Driving
Driving requires a lot of focus and attention. If you’re distracted at the wrong moment, you can get into an accident. Distracted driving can stem from diversions like:
- Phone calls
- Conversations with passengers
- Scenery
- Food
- Music
These can all cause car accidents to occur. What’s even worse is that all these distractions are extremely common inside any vehicle on the road. As a result, drivers often overestimate their multitasking capabilities and then proceed to cause an accident due to their diverted attention.
4. Driver Aggression
Driver aggression is relatively common, especially in rough driving conditions. People can get angry and frustrated when they are trapped in traffic or dealing with unusual driving practices. Then, despite being mad at their situation, they decide to take it out on other drivers on the road.
Driver aggression, or road rage, is one of the leading causes of serious accidents. When a driver gets enraged, they don’t make proper driving choices. This erratic behavior often leads to car accidents occurring.
5. Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions like cracks, potholes, damaged traffic lights, and poorly constructed speed breakers can lead to accidents if the driver isn’t careful. In these instances, the local government agency responsible for maintaining these roads for safe travel would be at fault for any accident that occurred.
6. Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions like heavy rain, wind, fog, snowfall, or ice on the road can cause serious accidents. Unfortunately, many common car accidents happen because of adverse weather conditions and unskilled drivers.
7. Driver Fatigue
Driving requires focus, and you are not focused if you haven’t slept or eaten properly for several days in a row. As a result, people on long drives, truckers, and professional drivers often experience fatigue, leading to distraction and accidents.
8. Faulty Equipment
Brake failures, steering wheel issues, engine failure, and several other equipment issues can also lead to accidents. They aren’t as common as accidents involving driver errors, but they do happen.
Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for letting consumers know about any recalls or potential issues promptly. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and many drivers could be driving a faulty vehicle that could cause an accident.
9. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is often confused with aggressive driving, but they are both different. Reckless driving involves everything from speeding to racing with other vehicles on public roads. Reckless drivers are some of the most common victims of car accidents, and they place everyone at risk when they’re behind the wheel.
10. Teen or Inexperienced Drivers
Teens and inexperienced drivers are more likely to get into accidents than adults. This is because teens have lower impulse control and are often distracted by things like phones, food, music, or conversation. They are also more likely to engage in reckless driving activities, leading to accidents or even fatalities.
11. Health-Related Accidents
People can experience fainting spells, seizures, heart attacks, and other health problems while driving. Sometimes, these incidents can lead to severe accidents, especially if the driver is traveling at high speeds. It’s always essential for any person with medical conditions that could impair driving to not get behind the wheel.
12. Violating Traffic Rules
Willful violation of traffic rules is similar to reckless driving. Some people violate traffic rules, especially when they are in a hurry. They pass a red light, don’t slow down when needed, and travel at higher speeds than recommended for a particular road. All of these violations can be hazardous and lead to accidents.
13. Driving During Nighttime
Nighttime driving is always risky because of poor lighting conditions and fatigue. People are naturally less focused during the night and more prone to making mistakes while driving. Therefore, it’s always best to be as vigilant as possible when driving anywhere at night.
14. Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes are common in car accidents. People try to switch lanes when they’re in a hurry, trapped in traffic, or when the driver before them isn’t moving fast enough. Unfortunately, many drivers underestimate how big of a blind spot most cars have. If the driver isn’t careful and doesn’t check the oncoming traffic, they can quickly get into a major accident.
15. Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts happen in poor road conditions, hot weather, or because of poor vehicle servicing. It can make a driver lose control of their vehicle, and sometimes it is nearly impossible to regain this control. Tire blowouts require a prompt and calm response from the driver.
What to Do After a Car Accident
First, if you sustained injuries after your car accident, you need to ensure that you get proper medical attention. Gather evidence and document the accident scene if you can, but if you or someone else involved is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
After a car accident, the best thing you can do is get treated for your injuries and get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer. From there, you can build a strong case for your claim to ensure that the insurance company won’t try to cheat you out of a fair settlement.
Insurance companies are businesses, and their main goal is to disregard your claim and have you settle for way less than what you deserve. Don’t let them cheat you out of proper compensation. Hiring a lawyer can drastically increase your chances of winning against them.
Get a Free Consultation for Your Car Accident Today
Our lawyers here at Eltringham Law Group serve car accident victims in South Florida and the surrounding areas. Before you accept any deal or offer made by the insurance company, come in for a free consultation. There is no risk or obligation when you contact us.
