Car accidents result from a driver’s negligent or intentionally harmful behavior that leads to them losing focus, driving too fast, or disobeying road rules. Negligent driving in the form of distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving can lead to a collision that can expose other drivers to harm. Every driver owes those they share the road with a duty of care, which is the acceptable standard of behavior to keep others on the road safe.
By driving negligently and causing a car accident, the driver could be held liable in a car accident claim for the damages they caused. A car accident victim can pursue compensation for damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering by filing a car accident claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The car accident lawyers at The Russo Firm have experience handling car accident claims across the United States that can help put you in the best position to recover fair compensation for your damages.
Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving
Negligent driving behavior, such as distracted driving, causes car accidents. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents and occurs when a driver’s focus shifts from the road to something else. Losing focus can lead to them not driving their vehicle properly, disobeying road rules, or losing control of their vehicle, which can lead to a car collision.
There are three main types of distractions while driving:
- Manual distractions: This is any distraction that takes a person’s hand off the wheel. They can fidget with a physical object or item instead of using both hands to steer the car. Some examples of manual distractions include texting, eating, adjusting a GPS, changing the station on the radio, or applying makeup.
- Visual distractions: This is when something inside or outside of the car takes your eyes off the road. A visual distraction only needs to capture your focus for a couple of seconds before disaster can strike in the form of a car collision. Visual distraction examples include staring out the window at a distraction, pursuing your social media, and looking intently at something else in the car.
- Cognitive distractions: This type of distraction is when your mind drifts away from focusing on the road and onto something else. You are still driving but thinking about something else, which can lead to an improper driving technique and cause a car crash. Thinking about work, what you will have for dinner, something you need to do when you get home, or an argument you had are all cognitive distractions that can lead to car accidents.
Speeding Car Accidents
A speeding car accident occurs when a driver goes over the speed limit and crashes into another car because they no longer have control. Speeding can be tempting for drivers that are running late, stuck in traffic, or become impatient behind the wheel. However, this dangerous negligent driving behavior can expose the speeding driver and those around them to extreme risk of injury, as a high-speed accident can cause significant impact and pressure to drivers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29% of all traffic accidents in 2020 were caused by speeding. Speeding can reduce a driver’s reaction time, increase the time it takes to stop their vehicle, and inhibit their ability to make quick adjustments to compensate for road obstacles. Each of these problems can complicate a person’s commute and lead to a traffic crash that can result in catastrophic damages.
Drunk Driving Can Cause a Car Accident
Drinking alcohol or using drugs can cause inebriation that can negatively affect a person driving a car. It can result in slowed reaction time, worsened vision, poor decision-making, and reduced muscle coordination. These can all cause a drunk driver to make mistakes behind the wheel that can cause a car accident.
Drunk driving is a harmful negligent driving behavior that can expose others on the road to harm that can take their life. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, drunk driving accidents happen every 90 seconds, with 926 people receiving drunk driving accident injuries every day. Those who are inebriated and risk the lives of others by getting behind the wheel of a car can be held liable for damages in a car accident claim.
Drowsy Driving Car Accidents
Drowsy driving is when a driver becomes tired or fatigued, leading to them not having their full mental faculties behind the wheel. This is common for people that drive for a living and who have to spend long hours behind the wheel. Exhaustion can set in after driving for so long, leading to poor decisions behind the wheel that can cause a car accident.
The following are some of the conditions that can lead to drowsy driving:
- Poor sleep schedule
- Staying awake for too long
- Driving for long amounts of time
- Sleeping disorders
- Use of drugs and alcohol
Car Accidents Caused by Road Rage
Road rage is intentionally reckless behavior behind the wheel that is caused by anger and frustration. A driver can become frustrated because of something that has happened in their personal life, anger from how slowly traffic is moving, or getting cut off by another vehicle. Despite understandable anger, aggressive driving is extremely dangerous and can expose others to harm from a car accident.
The following are some examples of road rage:
- Honking horn
- Cutting off other drivers
- Not letting other drivers switch lanes
- Speeding
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Striking another car
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You Pursue Compensation for Damages?
You can pursue compensation for car accident damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, by filing a car accident claim. Hiring a car accident lawyer can help with the claims process, as their experience can help handle important steps along the way. They will know what the most important steps are and what the right way to handle them is. A car accident lawyer can help you assess current and future damages, determine the liable party, and negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance company trying to deny, delay, or devalue your claim.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Car Accident Claim
At The Russo Firm, we have personal injury lawyers that specialize in helping victims of car accidents. Our car accident lawyers help car accident victims across the United States. They can offer personalized legal counsel, with a plan for the claims process based on the specifics of your car accident.
We offer free consultations so potential car accident clients can see how our attorneys can help put them in the best position to recover fair compensation for the full cost of their damages. Contact us at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
