The team at Lakota Denton is prepared to represent you as you seek justice for injuries sustained in a car accident. Accidents happen, that’s a fact of life, but when an accident has a serious negative effect on your life, it’s important to seek justice. We are here for our clients and to help them overcome the bad effects that a car accident can have on their lives.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in the Asheville, NC Area
Avoiding serious accidents is the best way to ensure your ongoing health and knowing some of the most common causes of accidents here in the Asheville, NC area can help you protect yourself.
- Driving under the influence – this is a common cause of accidents and one that is easily avoided. If you have been drinking, it is probably unsafe for you to drive. Find a friend to be a designated driver or find another, safer way home. A DUI can destroy your future and there is no reason to get behind the wheel if you are impaired in any way. Being under the influence does not just pertain to alcohol. Talk to your doctor about any prescription medications that you are taking and how they can affect your ability to drive.
- Falling asleep while driving – fatigue when driving is fairly common, especially if you have been driving for a long period of time. Do yourself, and the other drivers on the road, a favor and pull over if you are feeling sleepy. It’s better to arrive at your destination safely than try to push through and drive when you are falling asleep. Plan any road trips for a maximum of six hours or less and make plans to break up your trip into safe timeframes. If you are feeling tired after a long day, try to minimize your driving as much as possible.
- Distracted driving – we are all aware of the dangers of texting while driving. While texting and phone use are two of the most obvious examples of distracted driving, there are more. Don’t eat while you are on the road, apply makeup, or otherwise focus your attention on anything other than driving. This includes conversations with passengers in your car. If you are driving to an unfamiliar area, be sure to review your map and directions before you get behind the wheel.
- Inclement weather – bad weather can cause a whole host of problems. Rain-slicked roads can make controlling your vehicle more difficult, and driving in the dark during bad weather can be even more dangerous. If you don’t have to go out during a storm, don’t. Try to limit your driving during periods of high wind, rain, sleet, and ice. Reducing your speed during such times is a smart way to minimize the chance of an accident.
- Wildlife or other unexpected road hazards – animals do not follow the rules of the road. If you are traveling in an area known for a lot of wildlife, decrease your speed and increase your attention. Any unfamiliar area should be approached with caution as you will need to have plenty of time for your reflexes to react if you encounter wildlife or another unexpected road hazard when you are driving. Animals tend to move at both sunrise and sunset.
- Engine problems or other mechanical issues – a breakdown in the middle of the highway can lead to a serious accident. Make sure that your vehicle is properly serviced and running smoothly before heading out. If your car isn’t running properly and you are unable to have it repaired in a timely manner, it makes sense to find an alternative form of transportation while you are waiting. If your car does break down, do what you can to move it out of the roadway and get yourself out of danger while you wait for help to arrive.
- Speeding and reckless driving – another easily avoided cause of accidents is reckless driving. Make it a habit to leave enough time to get to your destination without speeding or driving in a reckless manner. It’s better to be a few minutes late than to cause an accident, injuring yourself or others. Reckless driving also includes passing at a high rate of speed and changing lanes without using your blinker. We have all observed reckless driving when out on the road and know that it’s best to avoid those drivers as much as possible!
Protect Yourself and Your Passengers
Protecting yourself by avoiding the causes above is a great way to avoid being involved in an accident. However, as safe as you may be, accidents can happen through no fault of your own. If you are involved in an accident, reach out to us right away. We can help you determine if you have a legal cause that is worth pursuing.
These tips can help you stay safe while on the road. But what happens when you are involved in an accident through no fault of your own? Accidents caused by negligent drivers are often the most successful legal cases. If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s careless driving, give us a call today.
Mounting a legal case against a careless driver is often necessary, especially if you have been injured and are facing significant medical bills. Our team can help you get the justice you deserve. Time is of the essence, so call today to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you!
