You did not get up this morning and decide, “Hey, I think I’ll have a car wreck today!” If you had known you were going to be the victim of a negligent driver, you may have decided to simply stay in bed.
Unfortunately, you went about your daily routine, took your normal route to work, resisted the urge to stop at your favorite Kansas City coffee shop for a large cappuccino, when out of nowhere BAM! But, was it really out of nowhere? Could you have avoided the driver that decided to run the light and plow into the side of your car?
The answer to these questions, like many others, is maybe. Maybe if you had done A, B or C you could have avoided the accident. Or, maybe, there was really nothing you could do to get out of the way fast enough to dodge the collision. However, knowing the most common causes of accidents may help you to avoid another wreck in the future.
Multitasking
While you may avoid multitasking while behind the wheel, that does not mean other drivers do as well. Some people may feel perfectly comfortable talking on the phone, texting, eating or even reading while they cruise down the road. Watch out for these distracted drivers because they are not watching for you. Look for signs such as swerving and sudden braking and take these as a cue to stay alert.
Ignoring the speed limit
Speeding can easily lead to accidents, especially when a driver loses control due to a sudden hazard or a tight curve. If you see someone disregarding the posted speed limit signs, keep your distance from this person since their risk of a collision is high.
Recklessness
Reckless driving, such as changing lanes too fast, driving aggressively, and not obeying traffic laws in general can lead to tragic accidents. When you see a driver like this, consider moving out of the way or off the road completely to give him or her as much distance as possible. It is worth being a few minutes late to work to avoid a wreck with this type of driver.
Bad weather
Sometimes, no matter how much we do not want to, we have to drive in the pouring rain. Keep in mind that roads are typically slippery both during rain showers and after. Take your time and be careful so that you can pay extra attention to what other drivers are doing around you. Some drivers treat hazardous weather conditions like a bright sunny day and do not alter their driving habits. A lack of sufficient caution can easily lead to a bad accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident caused by a reckless driver in the Kansas City area, you might be able to file a claim for compensation for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle.
Tags: car accident
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