Car accidents are all too common in the state of Maryland. Many of them result in serious injuries or even death for the victims. Sadly, many of these tragic car accidents were entirely preventable. Most car accidents are caused by negligence.
Common causes of car accidents
While there is an inherent risk when getting into a car, many of the most common causes of auto accidents are preventable. These car accident causes include:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol
- Driving while using marijuana
- Driving while using a smartphone
- Driving with not enough sleep
- Speeding and other forms of aggressive driving
- Disregarding traffic lights and signage
- Driving in poor weather conditions
Driver negligence
Many of these types of car accidents are the result of driver negligence. Negligence is a legal term. It refers to the abandonment of a duty of care a reasonable person would take to prevent harm to others. Every single adult alive should be aware that driving while under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. As such, getting into the driver’s seat after drinking is certainly an example of negligence.
What to do after a car accident
Living through an accident can be terrifying, but things can quickly worsen if the proper steps aren’t taken afterward. For one, you should call for emergency medical care for anyone possibly injured in the accident. The police should be contacted, and the crash should be reported to your insurance provider. Lastly, you should collect evidence such as photos, videos or witness testimony if you believe another party’s negligence caused the crash. That will be needed for a possible civil suit.
Overall, always drive carefully. You can prevent a lot of accidents by simply avoiding negligent driving behaviors. Don’t be afraid to ask for someone else to drive you if needed or to call an Uber driver. Also, remember that others on the road may not be as careful. Pay attention to the road at all times while driving to stay safe.