Car accidents are complex events, often involving multiple factors that act as contributing causes. In investigating your claim, our N.C. car accident attorney will thoroughly review witness statements, traffic videotape monitoring, the accident scene, and police reports, gathering the evidence needed to show the other driver was to blame. While the following are three common factors that make crashes and collisions more likely to occur, the fact is it is still generally the other driver’s reckless or negligent behavior that is ultimately to blame.
1. Adverse Weather Conditions
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports that of the close to six million car accidents that occur each year in the United States, nearly a quarter involve rain, fog, icy roads, heavy winds, and other adverse weather conditions. While North Carolina may not get the snow and frequent freezing temperatures other areas deal with during the winter months, rain and wet conditions can be even more dangerous.
Wet roads decrease tire traction and increase the amount of time needed to stop your vehicle, while fog or even a slight rain can impact a driver’s visibility. Drivers are encouraged to slow down when the weather is inclement, as speeding or driving too fast for conditions makes motor vehicle accidents more likely to occur.
2. Road Construction
Based on statistics collected by the Department of Transportation, the FHA reports that road construction-related car accidents occur roughly once every five minutes, resulting in close to 26,000 injuries and over 600 deaths each year. While road workers face significant risks, the majority of those injured or killed in these accidents are drivers and their passengers.
Anyone who has driven through construction in Kitty Hawk or the surrounding areas knows how dangerous reduced speeds, changing lanes, and sudden stops can be, particularly if you are not paying attention. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accidents that occur in construction zones, and distracted driving is often the underlying factor.
3. Heavy Traffic Conditions
North Carolina drivers are no strangers to traffic tie-ups. Sitting in congestion on your way to or from work or when out on the weekends can easily get on your nerves. Instead of taking deep breathes, listening to music, and taking other steps to remain calm, some drivers end up letting their impatience and irritation get the best of them.
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, failure to yield, and laying on your horn, do nothing other than to make the situation tenser and increase your car accident risks. Sideswipe accidents and rear-end collisions are common in these scenarios, and while drivers may not be going fast, serious injuries can still result.
Let a Carolinas Car Accident Attorney Help
If you have been injured in a car accident, not only to you have to deal with the physical and emotional effects of the accident, but you are likely dealing with the financial consequences, as well. Injured victims often have high medical bills as a result of the treatments their injuries require. Depending on how serious those injuries are, recovery typically includes staying out of work until the injuries have healed. This means no weekly paycheck for many victims.
If the crash was caused by another party who behaved recklessly or negligently, North Carolina allows victims to take legal action in order to be financially compensated for all of these financial expenses. Victims can also pursue damages for losses that are not economic, such as pain and suffering, scarring emotional anguish, and more.
If you would like to discuss your situation, contact our office to speak with a seasoned North Carolina accident attorney. Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for accident victims for more than three decades and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.
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