If you have been injured in a car accident, you will likely incur medical expenses, be unable to work for some time and lose income, and suffer other losses that will make your life difficult. When any of this happens, the law provides that you should seek and obtain monetary compensation for your injuries from an at-fault party.
To obtain compensation for your injuries in California, you must first prove negligence, which is required before the other driver’s insurance company agrees to compensate you for your injuries.
Negligence is careless conduct that causes harm to another person. If negligence involves a driver who causes an accident, it means the driver was doing something that he or she should not have done. There are many ways negligent drivers can cause accidents, and an Orange County car accident attorney can help you navigate your legal rights.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents in California and throughout the United States, and it accounts for more crashes every year than speeding, drunk driving, and other major accident causes.
Drivers can become distracted for a variety of reasons. Some of these include using a cell phone while driving, eating food, drinking, tending to kids, and so on while behind the wheel.
Speeding
Speeding is another leading cause of traffic accidents in the United States. Because car and truck accidents that involve speeding typically lead to greater damage, speeding also counts as a leading cause of fatal road injuries.
Driving above the posted speed limit is a habitual practice for many motorists. It is also dangerous because it vastly increases the risk of losing control of a vehicle and causing an accident. It is a known fact that the faster a vehicle moves, the longer it will take to slow it down in the event of an obstacle or hazard.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is another leading cause of accidents, especially on nights, weekends, and holidays. Driving after one has consumed alcohol impairs their response time and ability to focus on the road, increasing the risk of an accident. All 50 states, including California, have a .08 blood alcohol concentration limit. Anyone driving above that limit is illegally and dangerously driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
Drunk driving accidents are one of the easiest preventable accidents if only drivers would follow the clear advice to avoid alcohol if you need to drive, or to go out with a designated driver if you intend to consume alcohol.
Reckless Driving
Driving at high speeds, tailgating other cars, changing lanes without looking, and ignoring road signs are all classic examples of reckless driving. Reckless driving and all it entails is a common cause of California crashes.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Though not at the top of the list, poor vehicle maintenance can cause accidents that can be just as serious or fatal. Maintenance issues that could lead to accidents include cracked windshields, broken lights and wipers, faulty brakes or worn-out brake pads, and bad tires. Drivers are negligent if they fail to maintain their cars, and that results in an accident.
Contact us today to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney.
