Car accidents are a risk when driving and are often caused by the negligence of the driver or other individuals. Driving can seem like an easy task on the surface, but it’s difficult to remain alert during long commutes or even during simple errands that require constant concentration. When a driver has too much to drink and is distracted, their ability to be in control can be compromised. They’ll have difficulty keeping up with the traffic, which can lead to simple mistakes like driving off the road and striking a fence or other object. If an individual has consumed alcohol beforehand, they’ll be more likely to hit another vehicle or an object in the roadway instead of a wall or street sign. These potentially fatal errors are known as drunk driving.
A driving violation can result in a prison sentence and other penalties. A driver could face up to a year in jail and up to $2,000 in fines if they are caught driving while impaired. Many drivers will be charged with drunk driving as well, which means that they were impaired by alcohol while operating the vehicle. Drivers who fail driving tests three times will often be charged with reckless driving. A driver who continues to drive after being arrested or cited for crimes may find themselves facing felony charges such as aggravated assault or even homicide.
What is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents?
Injuries are caused by a variety of factors, but the leading cause of vehicle accidents remains driver error. Drivers often fail to pay attention to the road and end up hitting an object or other vehicle. They may also swerve too close to another car in an attempt to widen their lane, which can lead to a collision. These incidents can lead to serious injuries and even death for both drivers and pedestrians.
Car accidents can also be caused by mechanical issues, such as a damaged tire or engine problem. For example, if a driver loses control of their car and crashes into another vehicle, they could argue that they would not have been able to cause an accident if the other vehicle had not swerved into their lane. This issue may also be attributed to a defective product and could lead to a recall. Drivers may also suffer from medical issues that result in unforeseen accidents. They may have a stroke or heart attack while driving, which can cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
What are Other Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Besides driver error, other common causes of car accidents may be attributed to defective products. A driver may slip on a patch of ice and lose control of the vehicle, or ice could form on the road and make it challenging to drive on. Drivers who fail to use basic safety equipment such as seatbelts can severely injure themselves in an accident. Pedestrians have also been known to cause accidents while walking across the road, which can lead to fatal injuries if they don’t look both ways before crossing. In some cases, drivers will be distracted by text messaging while they’re driving. This could lead to an accident or even cause a crash.
Are There Defenses to Car Accident Lawsuits?
Drivers under the age of 18 might be able to argue that they are not responsible for their actions if they are not supposed to be driving. An individual who is old enough to drive may also use this defense if they don’t realize that a child is in the vehicle. If an adult is found driving without a license, however, they will be charged with a crime.
Those who have driven for decades without causing several accidents could use this point in their defense. If an individual has been involved in an accident, they or could argue that the situation was beyond their control. The driver may have a medical issue, or they may have been unaware of an obstacle on the road. They may also argue that they were not negligent if another driver ran a red light or broke other traffic laws.
What is Comparative Negligence?
Comparative negligence is a legal concept that can provide a defense to car accident lawsuits. This means that the driver shares some of the blame for the accident. Similar to contributory negligence, comparative negligence can reduce a person’s compensation after an injury or death. It can be used as a defense against an injured person’s family members who may have filed a lawsuit for wrongful death. This is why it’s important for victims and their families to hire an experienced attorney who understands all of their legal options.
Conclusion:
Car accidents can be devastating, but many of them can be avoided with a little bit of attention. Drivers need to make sure that their vehicle is road-worthy and properly maintained before hitting the road. They should also wear seatbelts and drive at safe speeds. It’s also important for drivers to pay attention to other vehicles on the road, as well as pedestrians who may cross paths. Ignoring basic safety precautions can result in an accident due to driver error, which is often the leading cause of car accidents.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.