Road accidents are the primary reason for deaths and injuries in almost every country. Every year, 1.2 million people are killed worldwide, and more than 50 million are injured. Car accidents are among the top three causes of global mortality, and road safety and driver behavior are the usual causes of these accidents.
The driving environment has changed a lot in the last few years. Drivers can find themselves in danger if they do not pay more attention behind the wheel. When you get involved in a car accident, Haffner Law has some of the best and most experienced personal injury and car accident lawyers who can help you.
But why were you in an accident in the first place? Was it your fault or someone else’s? This article discusses four common causes of accidents – which can be your basis for assessing whether you have a case to file.
Poor road design
It can be argued that safe driving begins with safe roads. The infrastructure design of road networks makes driving more manageable and sets a high level of protection for motorists. Using appropriate road design improves the function of the roads in terms of:
- Flow – large volumes of traffic can travel at high speeds
- Distribution – improved distribution of traffic to outer regions
- Access – better access to roadside support and amenities
When roads are not designed well, drivers must exert extra effort to be careful and alert, especially in rainy weather. Combine tiredness on the wheel and dangers on the road, and you’ve got a potential accident brewing.
Old roads
Many places still use old road networks. These are roads built decades ago using materials that may be outdated today. Newer construction materials, for instance, have better properties against slippage cracks and are more durable. Older roads and highways present considerable danger for cars and other vehicles, as they could get damaged anytime.
Wet pavements
Environmental factors and changes in the road can all contribute to highway accidents. These factors play a crucial role in causing or preventing collisions. The roads can collect water from the rain, creating a slippery path, and the likelihood of a traffic crash is very high. Wet pavements, along with high-speed vehicles, may cause traffic accidents.
Negligent drivers
Careless driving creates potential danger for other vehicles on the road. What does careless behavior include?
- Sudden braking
- High-speed driving
- Turning in the path of other drivers/swerving
- Distracted driving/using a mobile phone while driving
- Lack of focus on the road
- Racing
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving an unsafe load
- Overtaking dangerously
Drivers today have more distractions than before, so driving entails much more focus than it used to. On top of in-car entertainment and navigation systems that tend to pull your attention off the road, you now have motorcycles, moving billboards, scooter-riding and in-line skating motorists to watch out for.
Combine those with low-quality, unreliable road construction, and serious trouble can happen in a second.
Do you have a case? Guidance through the process
At Haffner Law, we have experienced trial attorneys who have handled and won personal injury, car accident, and insurance claim cases. You could file a claim for compensation if you were involved in an accident related to the above situations or were denied compensation by the other party.
If you’re wondering whether you have a case, ask yourself these questions:
- Was your accident caused by a poorly designed road network that was impossible to avoid?
- Was your accident caused by low-quality road materials or poorly constructed highways that would inevitably get ruined?
- Did inclement weather, aggravated by unsecured paths, cause your accident?
- Did another driver cause your accident with their negligence or inappropriate driving behavior?
- Did you cause your own accident by being distracted?
If you are unsure about this or the proper procedures following a car crash, our team can sit down with you to discuss your accident and guide you throughout the process. Give us a call to speak to an attorney.
