Traveling by road is a favorite choice for many. Ever wondered how many car accidents happen each day? Road accidents are the leading causes of injuries and deaths in most states. However, traveling via road is very common, which exposes travelers to different types of accidents. There are various causes of car accidents that you should know, these are;
1. Drunk driving
Drunk driving is a common cause of road accidents in most countries. The effects of alcohol can wreak havoc on the wheels. And the effects include drowsiness, loss of focus, and inability to judge reaction times and distances. What’s more? You’re unfit to drive with a blood-alcohol level of 0.1.
If you cause an accident due to intoxication, you’ll be held liable for the damages. Besides, personal injury firms like Gorospe Law Group Injury Law Firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have since come up to help accident victims file car accident claims.
2. Vehicle malfunction
Vehicle manufacturers have to abide by stringent measures. Breaches to safety standards can make vehicle manufactures liable for damages. Examples of vehicle malfunction are brake failures, steering failure, and tire failure. For this reason, vehicles have to undergo regular inspection to ensure the optimal functioning of all the components.
3. Road topography
Most accidents result from poor road design, particularly if the road is built in terrain that doesn’t allow smooth traffic. Poor visibility during winter and snowy weather also contributes to car accidents. However, traffic signs or signals on the road can significantly reduce car accidents on the roads. What of road design? Some faulty designs cause merging lanes and many other road factors. These are not favorable in some areas.
4. Driver’s behaviors
Driving behavior is yet another major contributor to car crashes. Speedy and reckless driving happens every day. This is a serious concern, and governments should put stringent measures to curb such behaviors. Driver behaviors that can cause accidents include;
- Speeding beyond limits
- Disregarding traffic rules
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Not sticking to the lane
Sadly, most of these cases are never reported due to the associated limited penalties.
Who is eligible for car accident claims?
If you incur injuries from a car accident, you’re eligible for compensation if the accident resulted from negligence by a third party. You can also file a whiplash claim as long as you were a passenger in the car and were wearing a seat belt.
Visit the doctor immediately to avoid delays in the claim process. The medical practitioner will also examine the injuries, offer the right treatment, and give you a detailed medical statement. Have a detailed report of all the expenses incurred due to the car accident; you’ll need them to file a claim. Lastly, hire a car accident attorney to negotiate the claim on your behalf and represent you in a court of law.
Final thoughts
No one wants to incur accidents from car accidents. These result from drunk driving, speeding, faulty vehicles, reckless driving, and more. If you’re a driver, exercise caution on the road and avoid driving when intoxicated. A life lost can never be recovered, no matter the compensation.
