Most Common Causes of Car Accidents: Everything You Need To Know
Do you have questions about the most common causes of car accidents? Contact the Dressie Law Firm today. We can answer your questions. Call us now.
What Causes Car Accidents in Atlanta, GA?
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in Atlanta, Georgia. Most are caused by speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, impaired driving, drowsy driving, distracted driving, and inclement weather. These often lead to dangerous and fatal car accidents, but other lesser common causes, such as poor road conditions and mechanical defects, also contribute to the fatality rate in Georgia.
Read on for more details about the most common causes of car accidents in Atlanta, GA.
Common Car Accident Causes
Car accidents occur mostly due to human error, but sometimes, other factors beyond our control contribute to these unfortunate events.
Here are the common car accident causes:
1.Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is largely preventable, yet it commonly persists as a leading cause of accidents. Distracted drivers exhibit reduced reaction times, lack of control, and unsafe lane changes, often leading to catastrophic pedestrian accidents in Atlanta. Whenever a driver glances at their phone or diverts attention from the road, they put their and others’ lives at risk.
Using cell phones and GPS technology in vehicles has increased distracted driving. There are laws in place prohibiting texting and driving. However, thousands of drivers across the state continue to text or use their phones while behind the wheel.
2.Drunk and Drugged Driving
Drunk driving and its counterpart, drugged driving, remain persistent threats in Atlanta and across the state despite the strict traffic and DUI laws. Alcohol and drug-related accidents are the leading causes of fatal accidents in Atlanta and contribute to a large number of life-threatening injury cases.
Drunk drivers face criminal and administrative penalties. However, drunk driving accident victims can also bring civil suits against them to recover damages.
3.Poor Weather
Adverse weather conditions cause car accidents unrelated to human error. While bad weather can cause a car accident, responsibility often falls on the driver for failing to adapt to these conditions. Drivers need to exercise extra caution during poor weather to avoid accidents.
Weather-related accidents emphasize the importance of adjusting speed to road conditions. What might be a safe travel speed in clear conditions becomes dangerous in heavy rain, snow, or fog.
4.Reckless Driving and Road Rage
Reckless and aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, reckless driving, and road rage, are a leading cause of deadly traffic accidents in Atlanta. Besides civil suits that reckless driving accident victims can bring, the responsible driver will also face criminal charges.
5.Speeding
Speeding is a pervasive issue with tragic consequences. It occurs when drivers exceed the posted speed limit, causing lower reaction times and vehicle control. More often than not, speeding drivers and other road users either sustain life-altering injuries or die on the scene.
6.Improper Turns
Turn-related accidents are common, with left turns being the most frequent. Inadequate signaling and adverse weather can exacerbate turn-related accidents, leading to injuries and fatalities.
7.Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is particularly common during long commutes. Fatigued drivers exhibit symptoms similar to those of drunk drivers, including slowed reactions, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. Law enforcement often mistakes drowsy drivers for drunk drivers.
These are some of the causes of most car accidents in Atlanta. However, other factors that can cause or contribute to fatal accidents include:
-
Mechanical failures
-
Poor road conditions
-
Animal crossings
How To Prevent Car Accidents
Most car accidents are preventable if users follow the safety rules and regulations. Sometimes, simple precautions can also prevent a car accident and save lives. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
-
Slow down and drive to conditions: You should follow the posted signs and adjust your speed according to the weather, traffic, and road conditions.
-
Take a break: If you feel sleepy or tired, it’s best to stop somewhere safe and get freshened up. You may be late for something, but you don’t know what lives you just saved.
-
Drive properly, yield to other drivers, and be courteous: Follow the traffic rules and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Remember to be courteous to other drivers.
-
Maintain a safe following distance: Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Georgia law requires drivers to Keep a distance of at least 2 seconds from the vehicles in front.
-
Signal every turn and lane change: Use your turn signals before every turn and lane change. Also, check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. You should always look both ways before you enter an intersection.
-
Stop at red lights and stop signs: Obey the traffic signals and signs, even if you are in a hurry or think no one is coming.
-
Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking: Let another person drive or call a taxi or a ride-sharing service if you’ve been drinking. Even if you don’t think you are actually drunk, staying off the road is safer for you and others.
How an Attorney Can Help You if You Are Involved in a Car Accident
Have you been involved in a car accident that another driver caused? You are entitled to monetary compensation for any injury and damages you sustained as a result. Whenever you are ready to file, you will find the services of an accident attorney in Atlanta invaluable.
Our attorneys at the Dressie Law Firm can help you in the following ways:
-
Investigating the accident factors
-
Identifying responsible parties and determining liability
-
Evaluating all accident-related costs, including future medical expenses.
-
Filing and handling the claims process
-
Negotiating with the insurance company’s adjuster for the compensation you deserve
-
Taking your claim to court if negotiations fail
-
Answering your questions and guiding you throughout the process
Reach out to us today at the Dressie Law Firm for a free consultation!
Get a FREE Personal Injury Case Evaluation
Get in touch with the highly experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers at the Dressie Law Firm.