Car accidents can occur suddenly and without warning at any time. Whether you are driving across town or just visiting a friend’s house down the street, you are at risk of a car accident at all times.
There are many factors that could cause a car accident, however the most common one is distracted driving. Although distracted driving is often associated with texting, distractions can come in many forms including talking to other people in the car, adjusting the radio, eating, or applying makeup.
Another common cause of car accidents is speeding and reckless driving. When drivers go above the speed limit, or drive recklessly without paying attention to traffic signs and lights, they put everyone else on the roads at risk. These accidents can often be the most tragic because cars traveling at a high speed can cause more damage to cars they collide into.
Of course, drunk driving is also a major concern for drivers on the road. A driver’s judgment is impaired and vision may be blurry while under the influence of alcohol, making it very difficult to control a motor vehicle. Drunk drivers also have a harder time reacting to their environment, so it may be difficult for them to brake before hitting a car, for example.
Driver error can often cause accidents as well, especially when the driver is inexperienced or elderly. Younger drivers tend to cause accidents because of their lack of driving knowledge, while older drivers may get into accidents because of vision impairments or delayed reaction times.
Sometimes, a driver may get into an accident because of a defective car. There are always new product recalls being issued by car manufacturers, and many of these defects could cause you to get into an accident and seriously injure yourself and others. For example, if your car was manufactured with faulty brakes, you may be unable to stop at a red light. This puts you and others at risk, and the manufacturer could be held liable for your injuries.
Car accident injuries can be minor, but they are often severe and sometimes even fatal. One of the most common injuries is whiplash, which is soft tissue damage that occurs when there is sudden, unexpected movement to the head and neck. Chest injuries such as broken ribs are also common during a car accident, especially if your chest collides with the steering wheel during the collision. If your head bangs against the window, seat, or steering wheel, you could also suffer serious brain damage, including a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To discuss your legal options, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Shegerian Conniff.