The Causes of Road Accidents and the Steps to Take After a Crash

Posted in Firm News on February 26, 2015

 

Passing a driving test and obtaining a driver’s license is a great accomplishment that provides people a sense of freedom. Being able to get from place to place on your own time is liberating, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. Every year, there are thousands of truck, motorcycle, car and bicycle accidents that result from people’s careless mistakes. Many can easily be avoided, but it takes the efforts of all drivers on the road to make a difference.

Common Causes of Accidents on the Road
Some accidents on the road are difficult to avoid, whether they are from inclement weather conditions, poor visibility or poor road conditions. Many, however, occur because motorists are either distracted or careless about other drivers on the road. For example, a common cause of motorcycle accidents is drivers in larger vehicles neglecting to check their surroundings when switching lanes. Since motorcycles are smaller vehicles, they aren’t as obvious when riding by cars and trucks; however, this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be treated with the same respect on the road.

Another common cause of road accidents is that people don’t take the proper precautions before heading out on the road. A 2006 study showed that 95% of bicyclists killed that year were not wearing helmets, and almost 40% of fatal cycling crashes are due to bicyclists being intoxicated. Wearing the right equipment and not cycling drunk could significantly cut back on the number of bicycling injuries and deaths.

What to Do After an Accident
While many road accidents could be avoided, they still happen. Knowing what to do after car accidents, truck accidents or bike accidents can make the situation a little more bearable. The first thing to do in any situation is call the police, who will fill out an official report and make sure that everyone is okay. It is also important to get information from anyone else involved, including names, contact information, insurance information and license plate numbers. This information will be helpful when dealing with insurance claims and could help car, bike or truck accident attorneys should a lawsuit be necessary. Any receipts from vehicle repairs or medical bills should be saved for insurance purposes, and if possible, photo evidence of personal or vehicle damage should be taken.

A person who endured excessive pain and suffering might also want to contact an accident attorney who specializes in that type of accident to help them file a personal injury lawsuit. For example, someone in a truck accident would want to contact a truck accident attorney to help them through their case. A truck accident attorney will have a great deal of knowledge and experience in this area and is best suited to help their client receive compensation for their pain and suffering.

Having the freedom to enjoy the open road is a liberating experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of helping to maintain a safe driving environment for everyone else on the road.

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