If you’ve never been involved in an automobile collision, count yourself lucky. Some reports indicate there are roughly 7 million automobile crashes annually across the United States. Well over 2 million Americans are injured and another 37,000 are killed in crashes in this country every single year, at a fiscal note of over $230 billion annually. For those individuals who comprise some of these alarming statistics, having a strong Jackson auto accident attorney can be a godsend.
Key Factors Related to Auto Collisions
We know that there are several elements that impact many of the crashes that occur throughout the nation. Understanding these issues and taking steps to mitigate them can be life-saving.
- Distractions: With all of the emphasis on limiting cell phones, eating, grooming, and horseplay while driving, you’d think people would have gotten the message by now. Distracted driving is a major cause of crashes, and you should make every effort to keep your eyes on the road at all times.
- Drunkenness: Impaired driving, whether because of alcohol, prescriptions, or illegal drugs, leads to far too many fatal accidents. Eliminate this issue by choosing a ride-share or designating a sober driver after drinking.
- Speeding: The number two cause of accidents is driving too fast for conditions. So stick to the posted limits, and adjust downward if merited by the weather or other issues.
- Recklessness: Aggressive maneuvers, including dodging between lanes, tailgating, and similar maneuvers, are dangerous.
- Precipitation: Precipitation has a way of limiting visibility, on top of making roadways slick and difficult to manage. Proceed with caution if you must drive during or after severe weather.
- Running lights and stop signs: Obviously, the risk of an intersection crash rises substantially when drivers plow through when they don’t have the right of way. Stop as directed to avoid sideswipes and pedestrian collisions.
- Wrong way turns: Whether due to confusion, judgment errors, or inebriation, turning onto a one-way ramp or road in the wrong direction results in head-on collisions far too often. Pay attention to road markers and signs, particularly in unfamiliar areas.
- Animal crossings: Nothing is more devastating than colliding with a deer, moose, or other animal on a highway or country road. Be aware of animal crossing signage, and use your high beams on country roads in an effort to avert such disasters.
- Construction sites: When roads are under construction, drivers are often confused by flashing lights and orange cones. Remember to slow down and be particularly alert, as equipment, workers, and other vehicles may appear unexpectedly.
- Car problems: Tire blowouts, over heating, and other issues with your vehicle certainly put drivers at risk. Do what you can to properly maintain your vehicle to minimize the changes of these kinds of problems.
The Other Guy
While it’s true that you can take many proactive steps to improve your chances of getting home safely, you, unfortunately, don’t have any control over other drivers out there. In the event you find yourself recovering from a serious accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, the heavy-hitters at the law firm of Derek L. Hall, PC can help. Schedule a free consultation in our Jackson office to discuss the financial damages to which you may be entitled.
