Car Care Tips Related Articles

A car accident is perhaps the last thing that you think could ever happen to you. But regardless of how careful a drive you are, you do not know just when you might come across a reckless driver and get into an accident yourself. Knowledge about your rights and the motor vehicle accident law might come in handy should you or anyone you know meet a road accident.

In the unfortunate event that you get involved in road accident, you should contact a lawyer right away. A legal representative will provide you with all the options you have in case you need to make a claim as an auto accident victim or as a liable party.

Whether you drive a motorcycle, your average family car, or a cargo truck, you are not exempted from the risks faced by every driver. This article aims to provide the information you need on the top causes of auto accidents and how you can avoid them, as well as a brief overview of most commonly violated motor vehicle accident laws.

This article's list of top ten causes of auto accidents include: (1) Speeding, (2) Weather, (3) Drunk Driving, (4) Sleepiness, (5) Cell phone use, (6) Distractions, (7) Drug Use, (8) Recklessness, (9) Road problems, and (10) Rubbernecking. They come in no particular order and are taken from various sources.

Despite awareness campaigns and government warnings, speeding remains one of the top causes of auto accidents. Countries have various speed limits but as a general rule, the faster your car goes, the more fatal it is when you hit another vehicle. If you drive either a motorcycle or a truck and get into an accident, it is best to immediately get legal representation. Hire an 18 wheeler accident lawyer or a motorcycle accident lawyer with significant experience.

Bad weather is another leading cause of road accidents. Uncontrollable factors like rain, fog, and snow cause slippery roads and affect a driver's vision. It is important to be extra careful when driving in bad weather. If possible, stay at home. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, though strictly prohibited by motor vehicle accident laws, remains a problem for traffic enforcers. These substances affect the body's reflexes and heighten aggression.

Another leading cause of road accidents is sleepiness. Some 100,000 accidents due to drivers falling asleep on the wheel are recorded by the US National Traffic Safety Administration every year. Cell phones have become a necessity in our daily lives and they have also become road hazards. Hands-free calling are featured by cell phone brands but they do not guarantee a hundred percent protection from accidents. Pull over if you need to make or receive a call. Apart from cellular phone use, other distractions that cause accidents also include eating in the car, changing the CD or radio channel, and kids in the car.

Recklessness is the willful disregard to motor vehicle accident laws set by the government to make roads safer. Rubbernecking causes accidents within the proximity of accidents so keep your eyes on the road. Shoddy road maintenance resulting in potholes, uneven roads, and other defects can cause serious accidents. To protect yourself, keep your eyes open at all times and drive carefully.