As the capital city of Louisiana, U.S., Baton Rouge is famous for its historical monuments, exceptional food, and beautiful river views. A semi-tropical climate makes Baton Rouge an ideal place for outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, it has dangerous roads where car wrecks and bad traffic are common. Lack of funding for infrastructure and poor-quality roads cause car accidents leading to serious injuries and death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, then it is important to consult a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Their expertise in car accident law makes it easy for them to prove liability and build a solid case.
Keep in mind that an accident can and will occur anywhere and anytime. Therefore, it is crucial to know about the major causes of car accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is the major cause of car crashes. Speeding increases your chances of losing control of your vehicle and decreases your stopping distance. Speeding is extremely unsafe for you and others on the road.
You should keep the speed limit in mind while driving on the road. And also consider the road conditions. This may prevent you from speeding. You will be safer, and the chances of an accident will be lower. You must also maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as racing, weaving, or tailgating.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when the drivers focus on something when driving. Common distractions include
- Listening to the radio/music
- Talking/texting on the phone
- Drinking/eating
- Engaged in conversation with co-passengers
- Playing with children/pets
Distracted driving is considered a dangerous behavior. It decreases your capacity to respond to changing traffic conditions.
It is important to focus on the road while driving to prevent distracted driving accidents. Move to a safer place when you need to text, make a call, or do anything else that needs your full attention. By doing so, you lower the chances of accidents and make the roads safer for you and everyone around you.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to a wanton disregard for the safety of yourself or others on the road. Disobeying traffic signs and signals, making wrong turns, driving over lanes, or passing harshly over other vehicles fall under the category of reckless driving.
You should remember that reckless driving is both illegal and irresponsible. Moreover, you should keep in mind that violating traffic laws can result in fines, jail time, and license rejection. Accidents caused by reckless drivers result in serious injuries or deaths. If you were hit by a reckless driver, contact one of the personal injury lawyers in your area to begin the claim process.
It is important to obey all the traffic rules and laws. Drive with courtesy and caution. If you see any reckless drivers on the road, inform the authorities. By doing so, you can minimize the threat to pedestrians and other drivers.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving falls under the category of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It usually affects your concentration, vision, reaction time, coordination, and judgment. It is considered immoral and illegal, as it generally makes yourself and others lives risky.
In order to prevent impaired driving, you must never drive after taking alcohol or drugs, even prescription drugs, whose side effects may cause impairment. You must also avoid traveling in a car with an impaired driver. If you’ve had a few drinks or you feel too dizzy to drive, consider using one of the numerous rideshare services for a ride back home. If you’re out drinking with friends, it helps to have a designated driver who stays sober and drives the group back to their homes.
Bad Weather
Poor weather conditions are also another common cause of car crashes. Driving in rain, snow, fog, wind, ice, or hail is difficult. It may impact your traction, visibility, steering, and braking. Poor weather can also create dangerous hazards on the road, such as fallen trees, flooding, or slippery surfaces, all of which may lead to car accidents.
Everyone knows that changes in weather conditions are unavoidable and unpredictable. So, it is necessary to check the weather forecast before you drive. Moreover, you should avoid driving in bad weather conditions when possible. In case you need to drive in bad weather, you should decrease your speed and follow the necessary safety precautions.
Poor Road Conditions
Faded or missing markings, uneven pavement, debris, cracks, potholes, obscured or faulty signs, or malfunctioning traffic lights all contribute to poor road conditions. These kinds of poor road conditions make it extremely difficult to drive. It may damage your vehicle. It can also affect your visibility while driving.
Generally, poor road conditions are often the result of a lack of maintenance or negligence by the government. They should take the proper measures to keep the road in good condition. In a few cases, you may be able to hold them responsible for your injuries and damages. If you were involved in an accident due to poor road conditions, get in touch with an auto accident attorney who can help bring the liable parties to justice.
You must drive attentively and carefully and also avoid roads that you know are in bad shape. You must also report poorly maintained roads you find to the concerned government authorities. This allows them to take preventive action and repair them, or at the very least, put up signs that alert other drivers about the poor condition of the road.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, getting into a car crash can have life-threatening consequences. These consequences aren’t just limited to injuries. You may suffer financial difficulties and end up with a psychological condition that may require therapy for extended periods.
If you were involved in a car accident, it is important to contact an accident lawyer. They have the expertise and skill to prove your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
