Tennessee drivers are involved in thousands of vehicle crashes every year. Auto accidents can be devastating for all parties involved. Sometimes, a motor vehicle accident cannot be prevented. However, if drivers are aware of some of the common causes of car accidents, they may be able to avoid being in a fatal situation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tennessee car collision due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
For additional information regarding the legal rights of accident victims, fill out the Free Case Review form on the right side of this page.
Motor vehicles accidents can be caused by a variety of factors; here is a list of some of the most common causes of car accidents:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one the leading causes of car collisions in the country. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that could divert an individuals attention away from the task of driving. Common distractions for drivers include: using their cell phone while behind the wheel, eating food or consuming beverages, changing radio stations, using a GPS and grooming. In 2010, over 400,000 people were injured in distracted-related crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Driver Fatigue
Drowsy driving is another leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. The NHTSA reports that driver fatigue causes approximately 100,000 traffic crashes each year. The vast majority of drowsy driving accidents occur between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. Signs of driver fatigue include slow reaction times, misjudging traffic, drifting in and out of lanes, heavy eyelids and frequent yawning. If a motorist experiences any of these symptoms while operating a vehicle, they should pull over immediately.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
A person dies in alcohol-related accident every 51 minutes. These types of accidents can easily be avoided by using a designated driver. Drugs and alcohol impair a drivers ability to focus and react to his or her surroundings on the road.
Excessive Speeding
One-third of all fatal accidents are caused by excessive speeding. Speeding reduces a drivers time to steer around dangerous objects and affects their ability to stop their vehicle quickly in emergency situations. Additionally, the severity of a crash increases with the speed of the car at impact.
Aggressive or Reckless Driving
An aggressive or reckless driver is a person that operates a motor vehicle with a blatant disregard for the safety of others. Driving actions that might be considered reckless are:
- Frequently changing lanes
- Tailgating
- Running red lights
- Failure to obey traffic signs
Weather
Driving in inclement weather such as heavy rain, dense fog, snow, ice and high winds can make driving more difficult. Motorists need to take extra precautions when driving in adverse weather conditions. When driving in bad weather drivers should decrease their speed, allow extra space between them and the vehicle in front of them and allocate more time to reach their destination.
Vehicle Failure
A defective or malfunctioning auto part can cause a serious wreck. It is important for drivers to take their cars in for routine maintenance to avoid these types of accidents.
Contact a Knoxville Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a Tennessee motor vehicle accident due to any of these factors, you may be eligible for legal and financial recourse. Contact a licensed personal injury lawyer in Knoxville from Greg Coleman Law today to explore your legal options. Our Knoxville auto accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to handle all types of auto accident claims.
To receive a free legal consultation, fill out the contact form on this page.
