Common Causes of Car Accidents
in Duluth and How to Avoid Them
Learn about the common causes of car accidents in Duluth and how to avoid them. Stay informed and safe on the road with our comprehensive guide.
The Tadeo & Silva Law Firm is located at 3555 Koger Blvd, Suite 120, in Duluth, GA, 30096. You can contact us Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
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Understanding the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Duluth, GA
Thousands of lives have been lost in motor vehicle accidents, and many more have been destroyed. It may be necessary to undergo extensive medical treatment, physiotherapy, and psychological therapy to recover from a car accident. As a result, you may not be able to work or earn a living as you recover.
Even after filing a Duluth car accident claim, your insurance company may take too long to compensate you, or the party responsible for the accident might deny liability, further delaying the case settlement. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer might be beneficial if facing these situations.
Continue reading to learn more about the common types of car accidents and injuries and what steps to take after a car accident
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Duluth
The effects of automobile accidents, no matter how minor they seem, can devastate the victims. So it is important to know the common causes and ways to prevent car accidents in Duluth. The following factors typically cause car accidents:
Distracted Driving
When you are driving, your focus should be on the road. Unfortunately, that is not the case today. The majority of people drive while talking on the phone or chatting. A skilled Duluth car accident lawyer may be able to assist you in recovering compensation from the driver who was distracted during the accident.
Drunk Driving
Don’t drink and drive is more than a slogan on alcoholic drink bottles. Alcohol-impaired drivers are less aware of what’s happening around them, which can lead to mistakes and serious accidents. Drunk driving endangers the life of the driver and other road users. Thus, if a person is arrested for driving with an alcohol level in their blood above the legal limit, they could face harsh punishments.
Running Red Lights and Breaking Other Traffic Laws
In Georgia, reckless driving refers to a reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. It involves traffic violations such as weaving, excessive speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield right-of-way, and crossing double yellow lines.
If you were hurt due to reckless driving, disregard for traffic lights, or a negligent driver, you have grounds for claiming compensation.
Poor Car Maintenance
Car owners/drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Therefore, the owner will be held responsible if an accident occurs because the car was poorly maintained, such as faulty brakes and broken taillights.
How Do You Avoid Car Accidents?
Accidents are unfortunate and unavoidable events that happen by chance. While you may be careful as you drive, you are still vulnerable to getting hurt when other drivers are negligent. Follow the tips below to lower your risk of being involved in an accident:
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Drive Defensively: Always assume other drivers may not see you or make unpredictable moves. This means keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you, using your mirrors to stay aware of other vehicles, and being cautious at intersections.
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Follow Traffic Laws: Speeding, running red lights, and ignoring traffic signs are significant causes of accidents. Always obey traffic laws, and adjust your speed to suit the road conditions.
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Stay Sober: Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to drive safely. Never drive under the influence.
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Avoid Distractions: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or any other activities that divert your attention from the road are dangerous. If you need to do something that will distract you, pull over in a safe location first.
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Use Seatbelts: Always wear your seatbelt and ensure that all passengers do as well. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death in an accident.
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Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular vehicle maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and malfunctions that can lead to accidents. Check your tires, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers regularly, and get your car serviced as the manufacturer recommends.
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Rest Well Before Driving: Fatigue impairs your ability to react quickly and make good decisions, which increases the risk of accidents. If you feel tired, take a break or consider other forms of transportation.
Remember, while you can take measures to avoid accidents, some situations are out of your control. Ensure you have adequate car insurance to protect yourself and others in an accident.
What are the Common Car Accident Injuries?
Auto accidents may cause serious injuries, some resulting in temporary or permanent disabilities. Witnessing a horrific accident can also result in mental and emotional trauma, including PTSD. Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including:
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Whiplash: This is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth neck movement, like the cracking of a whip. It’s most commonly caused by rear-end car accidents.
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Scrapes and Cuts: Loose objects in the car can become projectiles during a crash, leading to these injuries.
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Head Injuries: These can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries. They often occur when a person’s head hits the steering wheel, windows, or other car parts.
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Broken Ribs: Ribs are fragile and can easily break under impact. Even a low-speed crash can lead to broken ribs.
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Other Broken Bones: Collisions can often lead to broken arms, legs, hips, and shoulders, especially in high-speed accidents.
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Internal Bleeding: This can result from broken bones or other internal injuries. Getting medical attention immediately after a crash is critical to diagnose and treat potential internal bleeding.
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Herniated Disk: Similar to whiplash, a herniated disk is often a result of the sudden movement and impact of a car crash. It can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg.
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Knee Trauma: The sudden impact might cause the driver’s or passenger’s knees to hit the dashboard, leading to pain and difficulty walking.
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Spinal Cord Injuries: These are particularly serious and can result in significant nerve damage. Depending on the severity, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis.
The types and extent of the injuries vary depending on the accident’s severity, but underlying health conditions may also play a role. In some cases, you may not have any visible or apparent injuries but suffer from internal bleeding, or the injuries may not manifest for weeks or months after the accident. So, even if you do not notice any injuries or feel fine after an accident, you must seek medical attention.
What Should You Do After You Are Involved in a Car Accident?
After an auto accident, check yourself and other accident victims for injuries. If anyone has been injured, contact emergency services immediately.
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Contact the police and inform them of the accident. This can be helpful in case you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
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Exchange information with the other driver, such as name, address, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
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Try to document the accident scene as much as possible. Photograph vehicles and the surrounding area, including any skid marks or debris.
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Avoid arguing with the other driver, especially if they lose their temper and blame you for the accident. Instead, stay calm and contact your Duluth car accident attorney and insurance company to begin the claim process.
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Finally, see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine, to ensure you have no hidden injuries.
How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Help You After a Car Accident?
Car accidents often lead to injuries and property damage. Apart from the effects as a direct result of the accident, other losses follow the car accident victims. As you recuperate, you will incur medical treatment costs, lost wages, and other losses.
If your medical bills are piling up, take action as soon as possible. Filing a personal injury claim can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. Tadeo & Silva Law can guide you through this process.
Tadeo and Silva Law has handled many personal injury cases. Our team of skilled Duluth car accident lawyers can determine which party is liable for the accident based on police reports and investigation results. We aim to ensure you don’t suffer more than you already have due to another driver’s negligence.
Contact Tadeo & Silva Law today and get aggressive and compassionate legal representation against insurance companies or negligent drivers. Call them today!