Many people are seriously injured in car accidents in Alabama every year. If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, hire an accident attorney to help ensure your rights are protected.
No one likes to be in a car accident, and one of the best ways to avoid it is to understand what causes it and how to prevent it.
We want to help prevent car accidents in Alabama, so below, we will share some of the most common causes so you can do your best to avoid accidents.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents
Sometimes, a car accident is unavoidable due to uncontrollable factors, such as animals, poor road repairs, confusing construction sites, improper lighting, and weather. However, most car accidents in Alabama are preventable and are usually due to one of the following circumstances.
#1. Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Alabama, and generally, the casualties and injuries are worse due to more brutal impacts related to speed. If you were involved in a car accident with a speeding vehicle, you most likely will suffer significant injury due to the force of the crash.
It is crucial to know posted speed limits and obey the speed limit laws. In addition, you need to adjust your driving speed based on conditions such as wet or icy roads, fog, or other road hazards.
Unfortunately, not all drivers will abide by the law, and accidents often happen due to speeding. If you were someone you love injured by a speeding driver in Alabama, contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to help represent you in your case and ensure that your rights are protected.
#2. Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving has become a much larger issue in recent years, and distracted driving laws in Alabama have been updated to address the issue. Distracted drivers have become one of the leading causes of car accidents in Alabama today. Examples of distracted driving may include the following:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Driving when sleepy
- Rubbernecking
- Eating and drinking
- Interacting with children or passengers
- Looking at the scenery instead of focusing on the road
- Changing the radio
- Looking for something while driving
- Reading, maps, books, or other papers
- Attempting to set up a GPS or navigation system
- Shaving, applying makeup, brushing your teeth, or combing hair
Many things can be a distraction while driving, so it is essential to stay focused on the road.
#3. Driving Under the Influence
Drivers using drugs, alcohol, and even certain prescription medications can result in a car accident because of reduced coordination or concentration. In contrast, in Alabama, driving while under the influence can result in severe penalties and also increase the risk of an automobile accident.
Unfortunately, drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is all too common in Alabama. If you notice another driver swerving and driving erratically, stay far away and report the driver to the non-emergency police phone line in your region.
#4. Careless Driving
When someone drives a vehicle with complete disregard for the safety of others, it is called careless driving. Carol is driving. This can include weaving through traffic, driving at very high speeds, and other aggressive driving habits that can lead to serious automobile accidents.
#5. Inexperienced Drivers
Younger and less experienced drivers on the road may lack judgment and, therefore, may inadvertently contribute to auto accidents. Inexperienced drivers tend to be much more apt to engage in unsafe driving, speeding, and driving while distracted.
#6. Ignoring Red Lights and Disobeying Traffic Signs
Traffic signs and lights are designed to help keep people safe and traffic moving effectively and safely. Everyone on the road, including pedestrians and bicyclists, is endangered when drivers disobey traffic restrictions, signs, and lights. Drivers who ignore lights and signs significantly endanger others on the road and cause many car accidents in Alabama. Ensure the other drivers stop and follow traffic signage before proceeding through an intersection, turning, or changing lanes.
#7. Tailgating
Some drivers follow too close to other drivers, which is the leading cause of rear-end crashes. If someone rear-ended you because they were following too closely or if you rear-ended another motorist, it is essential to consult with a car accident attorney. Ensuring enough space between you and the car in front of you can help prevent a car accident.
#8. Unsafe Lane Change
When traffic lanes merge into other lanes, it is crucial to ensure enough room before joining to avoid cutting off other drivers. Always confirm the road is clear before merging into traffic, and remember to check your blind spots.
Not all drivers use turn signals, and sometimes, a driver will accidentally leave their turn signals on without the intention of turning. For vehicles turning, always ensure the driver will complete the turn before pulling out in front of them.
Contact Brackin Law Firm, Alabama Car Accident Attorney
Injuries in a car accident can range from mild to severe. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident, it can significantly impact your life, taking a financial, mental, physical, and emotional toll on you and your family.
At Brackin Law Firm, we are here to help you. We have represented families in Baldwin County in car accident cases, DUI and criminal defense cases, family law and divorce cases, estate planning, and more for over 35 years.
Contact us today for a consultation, and we will help protect your rights.