Everyone has seen a car accident on Seattle’s busy roads at some point. The effects of a car accident can be severe. Serious injuries, lost wages and mental and emotional anguish are just some of the consequences of a car accident.
There are many different causes of serious car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies these habits as forms of “risky driving.”
Drunk and drowsy driving
By now, most people should be aware of the dangers of drunk driving. Getting behind the wheel when you have had too much to drink is illegal and increases the chance that you will cause a car accident.
Drowsy driving is sometimes overlooked as a cause of car accidents. Many people driving on Seattle’s roads are probably not as rested as they should be. Driving when you are tired reduces your response time and raises feelings like stress and aggression, increasing the chance that you will engage in other types of risky driving, such as speeding.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the biggest forms of risky driving. Anything that you do in your vehicle that takes your full attention off the road is a form of distracted driving.
This includes talking on your phone, texting, using a navigation system, adjusting music volume, eating, drinking or even talking to another passenger in the vehicle.
With the number of distractions in today’s world, it can be extremely difficult to avoid distracted driving. However, concentrating on the road should be your top priority.
Your rights after a car accident
You might be involved in a car accident where any one of these factors is present. The direct cause of the accident might not be immediately clear at the time of the accident, which is why it is important to not say anything or admit fault.
After sustaining injuries in a car accident, you might be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury action. It is important to learn about all of your options.