Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. In 2016, there were 6 million car crashes, which resulted in 3 million injuries and 37,461 deaths. Despite a large number of car accidents, most are preventable. Driver error is the leading cause of car accidents, accounting for more than 90% of all crashes.
There are many different types of drivers that are prone to causing car accidents. Some are more aggressive, while others are simply careless or distracted. Here are five of the most common types of drivers that get into car accidents:
1. Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. It includes behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and making unsafe lane changes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 56% of fatal crashes involve aggressive driving.
2. Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is another major cause of car accidents. It occurs when a driver takes their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, or their mind off of driving. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, and even adjusting the radio are all examples of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving played a role in nearly 3,500 deaths in 2016.
3. Drunk Drivers
Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. Drunk driving is estimated to play a role in nearly 30% of traffic deaths. If you are going to drink, do not get behind the wheel. If you must drive, make sure you have a designated driver or take a cab or Uber.
4. Drowsy Drivers
Drowsy driving is another leading cause of car accidents. It occurs when a driver falls asleep at the wheel or experiences fatigue while driving. According to the NHTSA, drowsy driving was a factor in 72,000 crashes in 2013, resulting in 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths. If you are tired, pull over and take a nap before continuing your journey.
5. Reckless Drivers
Reckless driving is when a driver operates a vehicle carelessly or dangerously. This includes speeding, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic.
Reckless driving is responsible for about 1 in 4 car accidents. It is especially dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, who are more likely to be killed in a crash by a reckless driver than any other type of driver.
Seeking Legal Help After a Car Accident
No one wants to get into a car accident. But if you do, it is important to know what to do afterward. The first step is to seek medical attention for any injuries you or your passengers may have sustained.
Then, you will need to file an insurance claim and possibly a personal injury lawsuit.
An experienced car accident lawyer like The Major Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries. Accident attorneys have the necessary experience to make the car accident claim process easy for you.
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