Every single day there are thousands of auto accidents in the United States. Some happen as a result of human error, and others happen due to conditions that are simply out of our hands — but regardless of how you find yourself getting into an automobile accident, it is important that you know what to do once the accident has occurred.
If you live in the Memphis-area and find yourself in an automobile accident, it is important that you contact us at the Porter Law Firm right away. Whether you are looking to file a lawsuit, or to simply ensure that you are fairly compensated for the damages that you have experienced, our auto accident attorneys have the skills and experience to ensure you are taken care of. While it is important to know what to do after you are involved in a car accident, it is also important for you to know the most common causes of car accidents so that you know what to look for on the roadways and what not to do while you are driving.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of auto accidents is something that seems harmless — distracted driving. Texting, changing music, eating, and talking on the phone are all common causes of roadway accidents. Even though you are only distracted for a brief second, that could be all it takes to wind up in an accident.
Drunk Driving
“Don’t drive drunk” does not seem like something we should have to tell people, but alas, here we are. If accidents can happen while you are sober, it makes a lot of sense that they are more common when you are drunk. So don’t ruin your life (or someone else’s). Just don’t drink and drive.
Speeding
Speeding is something that we are all guilty of at one time or another. While it might seem harmless to speed, it makes everything a little bit more high stakes. If someone is to pull out in front of you, or even if you are to drift towards the curb, speeding forces you to react faster — and sometimes you can’t react fast enough. Trust us, it is not worth the risk.
Reckless Driving
We all have that one friend or family member that keeps us on edge when they drive. Whether they are a fast and loose driver, an aggressive driver, or a chronic speeder, they are putting you and others on the roadway at risk. Hey — you could even be that person too. So try and be more mindful on the roadways.
Weather
The weather has a huge impact on auto accidents — especially here in Tennessee. Whether it is heavy rain or a blizzard, weather can impact roadway visibility and traction. When there is weather present, slow down and keep distance between you and other drivers.
Running Lights
Green means go. Yellow means slow down. Red means stop. Pretty straightforward, right? Sadly, millions of Americans seem to think that yellow means speed up — resulting in serious auto accidents. All yellow lights are different lengths, so it is important to assume that it will not be a long yellow light and slow down when the light changes.
Night Driving
Driving at night creates a number of issues. With low visibility and light pollution from other headlights, animals, people, and other cars can be harder to see — especially if your headlights are not properly maintained. So take care of your lights and keep your head on a swivel.
Tailgating
Contrary to popular belief, tailgating the car in front of you is not the best way to make them speed up. In fact, all it does is increase the chances of an accident happening. So rather than tailgating other cars on the roadway, consider passing them in the other lane — or better yet, just slow down.
Obstacles In The Roadway
It is not often that you’ll hear someone talk about animals and potholes being the same — but today is the day. Animals, potholes, and any other roadway obstructions can present themselves out of nowhere, and most people’s first instinct is to swerve. That being said, most people swerve without checking their blind spot.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers, teenagers more specifically, are a common cause of accidents. When someone lacks experience on the roadways they struggle to make decisions fast and effectively — resulting in accidents. So if you see a younger person on the roadway, consider giving them some space.
Have You Been In An Accident? Let Us Help!
If you are involved in an accident, regardless of the cause, we urge you to get in touch with an experienced auto accident attorney at the Porter Law Firm today. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.