Many people who fly for travel suffer some level of anxiety when it comes to getting on those planes. What they may not realize is that they have a much higher risk of sustaining personal injuries in vehicle accidents on their way to and from the airport or even at the airport itself. Virginia is home to several large airports, welcoming lots of travelers and visitors each year. What are the most common causes of crashes near airports and what legal recourse do victims have?
Dangerous Driving
Getting to the airport, dropping someone off, or picking someone up are all tasks that often turn into aggravating excursions. Just the sheer amount of traffic that is going in and out of the airport on a consistent basis, coupled with the traffic congestion that usually occurs around the vicinity of the airport is enough to bring out the worst in many drivers.
When you add to that the number of people who are rushing to get to the airport because they still have to check their luggage in, get their boarding pass, go through security, and get to their departure gate, it is easy to see why distracted driving is one of the most common causes of vehicle accidents. Other common causes of airport car accidents include:
- Drivers unsure where they are going: There are thousands of people who come through Virginia airports who have never visited the state before. There are also many Virginia residents who may be making their first trip to the airport to pick up a friend or relative. Driving in and out of airports can be confusing, with the arrivals and departure lanes going to different terminals or searching for airport parking lots. A driver who is unsure of where they are driving can quickly switch to another lane without warning or swerve over to quickly make a turn they almost missed.
- Speeding: No matter how much time you give yourself, it seems that it is never enough time to get to the airport and go through the multiple steps before you actually get on the plane. There is also the issue of getting stuck in traffic near the airport, as well. This stress can lead to a driver speeding or rushing to get to their airport destination, but also can lead to crashes.
- Fatigue: Traveling often leaves people exhausted. Some causes of this fatigue include traveling from a different time zone, returning from a full week of a busy vacation, an especially long trip (i.e., flying in from another country), or taking a red-eye flight. No matter the reason for the fatigued, a traveler who then gets in their vehicle to drive home could be risking a crash if they fall asleep at the wheel.
- Alcohol: Many travelers enjoy a few cocktails while they are flying but may still be feeling the effects of those drinks when they land and get into a vehicle to drive to their destination.
Call Our Office Today
Car crash victims often suffer from injuries that require a long-term recovery process. This often involves high medical expenses, as well as lost wages from work, and pain and suffering. And it is not uncommon for victims to suffer life-long damage from these injuries.
Insurance companies will often try to pressure car crash victims to settle their claims quickly and for much less than what the victim deserves. That is why it is critical to contact a skilled Virginia car accident attorney immediately following a collision for advice and direction. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. For more information, download our free guide to car crash injuries in Virginia.
RELATED CONTENT