Car accidents occur every day on Georgia roadways and can land people in the hospital. If you were recently hurt in a car accident caused by another motorist, you may want to get in touch with an Athens, GA car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Here are the most common causes of car accidents that you should know about.
Speeding
Everyone knows that speeding can be dangerous, but they may still choose to drive above the speed limit anyway. When drivers travel above the speed limit, they may have lower reaction times and can’t respond to hazards on the road as quickly. For instance, drivers who are speeding may not have enough time to react to an animal that runs out into the road, which can result in an accident.
Distracted Driving
Driving, especially for long periods of time, can get tedious. Drivers may turn to various distractions to help the time go by faster. For example, they may talk on their cell phone or keep changing the radio station. Unfortunately, this can lead to an accident. If drivers take their eyes or attention off the road for even a second, they can cause a crash.
Drowsy Driving
These days, many people are very busy with their jobs and family obligations and may not get enough rest. Unfortunately, they can get behind the wheel while tired and cause an accident. When drivers are drowsy, they may have trouble focusing on the road ahead and have lower reaction times. In some cases, they can fall asleep behind the wheel.
Bad Weather
Car accidents tend to occur more frequently in bad weather conditions, like rain. Rain can reduce visibility and make the roads more slippery. That is why all drivers should be extra careful when driving in poor weather conditions. If a driver rear-ends your vehicle in rain weather, he or she may be held liable for the damages.
Drunk Driving
The dangers of drunk driving are well-known these days. However, as the legal professionals at Norris Injury Law can confirm, some drivers still get behind the wheel intoxicated. Drivers who have had too much to drink may have impaired judgment and lowered reaction times, which can increase the risk of an accident.
Road Hazards
Road hazards are another common cause of car accidents. Some of the most common road hazards include potholes, raised obstructions, slippery surfaces from spills and sharp curves. A lawyer can help you hold the right parties accountable for an accident caused by a road hazard. These parties may include private landowners, governments and road departments.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving may include unsafe lane changes, running red lights, tailgating and failing to yield the right of way. All of these actions can increase the risk of a car accident.
If you have been hurt in a car accident, you may want to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer to talk about your case in detail.
