Accidents are unfortunately a fact of life. According to estimates, there are more than six million vehicle accidents each year in the US. While many may have been avoided, it is important to know what to do if you are involved in an accident. A police report should always be filed and you should go to the hospital even if you think you feel fine. Often injuries can surface days or weeks later. Never admit that the accident was your fault, and contact your insurance company. What are the major causes of accidents involving cars?
The Weather
Driving on dry pavement is totally different than driving when it is raining or snowing. Accidents occur more frequently when the road is wet. Standing water or ice on the road can create a slick surface causing drivers to lose control as well as increasing the amount of time it takes to stop.
Driving While Distracted
The top cause of accidents today is distracted driving. Whether the driver was texting, talking on the phone, eating, or doing some other activity that takes their attention from the road, this can cause an accident. Even if their attention is diverted for a couple of seconds, conditions change, and reaction time is slowed. Accidents can result in losses that may not be your fault. This is why law offices such as King Law Firm can provide a car accident lawyer ocala fl.
Driving Too Close to Another Car
Also called tailgating, when you drive so close to the car in front of you that it is impossible to stop if they brake, an accident can occur. If this is done at a high rate of speed, it increases the chances of a fatal accident. Although most people know they are supposed to leave a car length for each ten miles per hour that they are driving, they do not follow this rule.
There are many reasons for accidents involving vehicles. The best way to avoid them is to drive defensively. Although it may not keep you from being involved in an accident, it can reduce the risk.