Top Causes of Car Accidents and How to Protect Yourself

Every year, about 2.5 million people suffer injuries in car accidents. Car accidents are almost always caused by another person’s lack of care behind the wheel. If you have been in a crash, you need to take the appropriate actions to protect your rights. Our car accident attorneys know the common causes of auto collisions and how to identify liability.

Common Forms of Negligence Causing Auto Accidents

Distracted Driving

Distracted or inattentive driving contributes to nearly one-third of auto accidents in the U.S. A person who fails to give their full attention to traffic is driving distracted. Distracted driving may involve a cognitive, manual, or visual distraction. Common examples include making a phone call, texting, changing the radio station, or using a navigational device, such as a GPS. In short, a distracted driver is unable to anticipate hazards in time, causing injuries that would be 100% preventable had they focused on the road.

Speeding

With most people rushing to get somewhere and traffic congestion at an all-time high, speeding has increased in recent years. In a recent study, 59% of Americans reported regularly breaking the speed limit. When you speed, you have less time to react to danger, and your stopping time increases. When split-second decisions matter, slowing down by even five miles per hour may be sufficient to avoid a crash.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is becoming more problematic, with fatigue being a factor in hundreds of thousands of crashes annually in the United States. One in 25 drivers reports falling asleep behind the wheel at some point. Getting less than five hours of sleep significantly increases your chances of being involved in an accident. Fatigued drivers are more likely to have slowed reflexes, impaired coordination, and poor judgment, which can make it challenging to operate a motor vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence

Each year, there are more than 13,000 fatalities due to drunk driving. TN Code §55-10-401 illegalizes operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The dangers of intoxicated driving cannot be overstated; it impairs coordination, reflexes, judgment, and vision. Moreover, an inebriated motorist is more likely to misjudge when to stop at a yellow light, endangering others’ lives.

Aggressive Driving

Tailgating, yelling profanities, and weaving in and out of traffic are all forms of aggressive driving. Aggressive or reckless driving is any behavior that consciously disregards others’ safety, often known as road rage. If you are found driving 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, you could face criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and points against your license. Unsurprisingly, aggressive drivers are three times more likely to be involved in an accident.

Steps to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident

If you have been in an accident in Nashville, you should take the following steps to protect your rights:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If you have suffered injuries, call 911. By seeking medical care following your crash, you reduce your risk of complications and preserve your right to file a claim.

Call the Police

Tennessee law requires you to call the police following a motor vehicle crash if there are any injuries, fatalities, or more than $1,500 in property damage. The police officer who responds to the scene will take down your information, the other driver’s, and information relevant to the crash. The officer will prepare a report summarizing what happened and who the officer believes is at fault. A copy of the report will be available seven days after the crash, and you will want to submit this as part of your insurance package.

Gather Evidence

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including the final resting positions of all vehicles involved, vehicle wreckage, and any visible injuries you sustained. If there were any eyewitnesses, take down their names and contact information. If there are any nearby businesses, inquire whether they have surveillance cameras that could have captured events. Any evidence you gather can help point to the other driver’s negligence.

Collect and Organize Documentation

In addition to evidence establishing fault, you will want to demonstrate your losses. The law refers to financial, emotional, or physical losses in a personal injury as damages. Medical bills, medical imaging, and/or laboratory testing, doctor’s notes, and discharge instructions can highlight the extent of your injuries. If you missed time from work, you would also want to provide evidence of lost wages.

Contact a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer

You do not realize how overwhelming a crash is until you fall victim to one. Thankfully, a car accident attorney can guide you in what information is needed, helping you recover maximum compensation. Also, the insurance company is more likely to take your claim seriously when you hire representation, likely shortening the time span to reach a fair settlement. Car accident attorneys have vast experience negotiating insurance settlements, placing you at a clear advantage over those who choose to represent themselves.

Speak with a Nashville Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have recently been in a crash, our Nashville car accident lawyers would like to speak with you. At Bednarz & Bednarz, we know the aggravation of fighting for a fair settlement while dealing with a looming stack of medical bills. If you are interested in learning the true worth of your accident case, our Nashville car accident lawyers are happy to assist you. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone at (615) 623-8789.