Fatal car accidents are on the rise, even though cars get safety improvements every year. Better airbags, perfect electronics, better materials – and yet fatalities still happen. Thousands of people get killed in car accidents every year. There are various reasons for fatal car accidents but some of them are more common than others.
Speeding, drinking and driving, aggressive driving, distraction, medical conditions, weather, and road hazards are very common reasons for fatalities. Losing a loved one in a car accident is a tragedy. Nothing can bring back the lost life and things will become complex once the family has to deal with the medical bills, or when they decide to seek a compensation claim or file a lawsuit.
In that case, you should start the process with a skilled Indianapolis car accident attorney.
Speeding
One of the biggest reasons for fatal car accidents is speeding. When you drive past the recommended speed, you lower your chances for sudden stopping. In such cases, you no longer have control over your car. All those speeding tickets don’t exist so the officer can be the ‘bad guy’. Speeding is a serious threat to all traffic participants. Drivers who speed have a high chance to create severe and fatal accidents. About one-third of the car accidents that ended fatally were caused by speeding.
Driving Under the Influence
Drinking and driving are illegal in every state. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29% of the fatal accidents in 2018 were caused by a drunk driver. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your alertness, reaction time and judgement. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re putting your life in danger, but also the lives of other drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and occupants in your vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Today it seems we have too many distractions that can easily take away our attention. The number of drivers who drive and text is huge. All it takes is a split second for you to read a text, and lose control over your vehicle. Maybe you’ll have to stop suddenly (the front car stopped to avoid hitting a pedestrian); rear-end crashes happen all the time and the back driver is almost always at fault.
Driving requires your full focus, so try not to use your phone, adjust the AC, eat, or do other things.
Distracted driving is an even greater risk for fatal accidents when the visibility is reduced. When you shift your concentration away from driving to do any other activity, you put yourself at great risk of crashing another vehicle, a person or an object.
Inappropriately Changing Lanes
Another reason why drivers cause fatal accidents is an improper lane change. This can be a result of distracted driving, a medical emergency (a stroke or heart attack), or drowsiness. These incidents often result in deadly outcomes. If you fail to yield the right of way, it can easily lead to a severe accident. The rules on the road are there to be followed, not broken.
Not Obeying Road Signs and Signals
Not stopping at a stop sign, or stoplights is a huge mistake. When you learn how to drive, this is among the first things you learn. The signs and lights are there for a reason, and ignoring them can cost you your life. Doing so is sure to end in a crash, and actually kill other people.
Many drivers fail to stop at a stop sign or they run a red light in case the street is empty. This shouldn’t be done, since you can never be sure that a car is approaching from the other direction.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another leading reason for fatal accidents. This includes weaving in and out of traffic, unsafe passing, as well as speeding. It’s dangerous for everyone on the roadway.
Besides all of these reasons, it’s important to add that you should be careful and dedicated to the road at all times. This doesn’t include careful driving and following the rules only. You should wear a seat belt, check your mirrors, maintain your car (brakes, tires), and have a valid driving license.In case you lost a loved one in a car accident, don’t wait for too long before seeking legal assistance. A car accident attorney will review your case and help you file for a compensation claim. The statute of limitations is practically a deadline in which you can apply for the settlement (afterward you lose the chance for that). Schedule your consultation at Rowe & Hamilton today.
