What are some common causes of traffic accidents?
Despite developments in automobile technology and safety improvements over the years, car accidents remain common. Injury and death tolls continue to rise as the roads become more crowded and drivers become more distracted behind the wheel. The majority of these accidents could be avoided if the drivers were paying attention. Below are the most common causes of traffic accidents:
Distracted drivers — Research by the American Automobile Association shows that 25 to 50 percent of all car accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Drivers can be distracted in many ways, including the following:
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Driver fatigue — Driving when tired is the second-most common reason for wrecks. You are most likely to encounter a drowsy driver between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Drunk driving — Alcohol-related crashes occur approximately every 30 minutes. One of the most effective methods used by law enforcement to curb drunk driving is requiring the use of ignition interlock devices for people who have been convicted of driving under the influence.
Speeding — Speeding poses many different threats. When drivers are speeding, they have less reaction time to avoid unexpected obstacles. Cars also handle differently at high speeds. Any accident involving speeding generally results in more severe injuries than a similar low-speed accident. Those injured in car wrecks involving speeding may be unable to recover damages under a contributory negligence theory, even if someone else was at fault for the accident.
Weather conditions — Bad weather conditions contribute to many traffic accidents. Snow, heavy rain, ice, fog, hail and high winds can all impact the ability to operate a vehicle and can lead to a crash, especially for drivers not accustomed to driving in such conditions.
What are common injuries in car wrecks?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 3,335,800 people are injured in automobile accidents each year in the United States. No two car crashes are the same, just like no two injuries are the same. The severity of injuries vary, but certain types of injuries are quite common, including the following:
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What should I do if I’ve been in a traffic accident?
If you were involved in a car crash and suffered an injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Statutes of limitations and comparative negligence laws vary by state. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, do not hesitate to contact a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Contact a dependable Massachusetts personal injury attorney today
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident because of the negligence or recklessness of another person, contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you don’t pay unless we win your case. Representing clients nationwide, Thornton Law Firm LLP has been protecting Boston’s injured for 40 years. Call us today at 1-888-491-9726 or contact us online.
