Traffic Violations That Can Lead to North Carolina Car Accidents

Every year, there are over 225,000 vehicle crashes that occur in North Carolina. More than 110,000 victims will sustain injuries from these crashes, and another 1,200 people will not survive those injuries. There are a number of reasons why car accidents occur, many of them preventable because they were within the control of the driver that caused the crash. This is why as drivers, not only do we need to pay attention to the rules of the road, but also watch for other drivers who fail to.

Three of the most common moving violations that result in car accidents are:

  • Distracted or inattentive driving;
  • Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol; and
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has now become the number one cause of car crashes – a spot once held by drunk driving. Despite all the education, studies, and tragedies distracted driving has caused, drivers still look at their cell phones, GPS, and engage in other activities that require them taking their eyes off the road. The use of cell phones is so prevalent while driving, that one study, conducted by the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, found that approximately 660,000 drivers are using their mobile devices while driving at any given moment in the U.S.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy or fatigued driving has become a serious problem on the roads. A person who is driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as a person who gets behind the wheel of a car when they have been drinking. An exhausted driver who falls asleep even for a few seconds is at a high risk of crashing. Drivers who are at risk of fatigued driving include shift workers, people who suffer from sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders, and young male adults.

Drunk Driving

When a person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle after they have been drinking, their comprehension, concentration, coordination, judgment, reaction time, and visual acuity have all been compromised. This can lead to swerving, drifting into other lanes, running red lights, speeding, and other dangerous actions that can cause deadly car crashes.

Contact a North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a driver who committed a traffic violation, contact a North Carolina car accident attorney to discuss what your legal options may be. Even if the other driver has been cited or charged criminally – for example in an alcohol-related crash – their criminal liability is completely separate from any civil liability they may have.

The legal team from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call our office to schedule a free case evaluation.

 

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