Common Causes of Fort Smith Car Accidents
If you have been injured in a Fort Smith car accident, you understand the difficulties that the recovery process entails. Not only must you deal with your physical injuries, but also with all the other consequences of suffering a serious injury. You may have missed work for weeks or even months. You may be facing what seems like an endless stream of medical bills in addition to your normal monthly expenses. And, depending on the seriousness of your injuries, you may face a lifetime of physical limitations.
At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., our Fort Smith car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims through the recovery process. If you suffered serious injuries in any motor vehicle collision, we can help you understand what you need to do to obtain the monetary compensation you need to begin moving on with your life after the accident.
A Guide to the Car Accident Process
Causes of Fort Smith, Arkansas Car Accidents
According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, more than 500 people lose their lives each year in car accidents. In addition, more than 2,100 people are seriously hurt in Arkansas car accidents.
Car accidents do not just happen. If drivers pay attention to the road and follow all traffic laws, most accidents could be avoided. However, drivers too often ignore common sense when they get behind the wheel, putting others on the road at risk. Some of the most common causes of Fort Smith car accidents include:
Distracted Driving
With technological developments over the past two decades, drivers have more at their fingertips than ever before. As a result, the rate of distracted driving has increased significantly. In fact, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, more distracted driving is responsible for more than 3,100 deaths per year. Distracted driving refers to any action a driver takes that removes their attention from the road. The most common forms of distracted driving include:
• Cell phone use, including texting and talking on the phone;
• Talking to passengers;
• Scrolling social media;
• Eating or drinking;
• Reading;
• Daydreaming; and
• Dealing with children in the back seat.
Distracted drivers are much more likely to miss a traffic sign, merging vehicle, or pedestrian crossing the road. Anyone injured due to a distracted driver’s negligence can pursue a Fort Smith car accident lawsuit. Doing so not only can provide accident victims with much-needed compensation for their injuries but also hold the negligent driver accountable.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is a leading cause of Fort Smith car accidents. Impaired driving includes drunk and drugged driving. Under state law, drivers cannot operate a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of more than .08 or with any amount of illegal drug in their system. Drivers are also prevented from driving under the influence of prescription medication that impacts their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Despite the widespread knowledge of the dangers of impaired driving, many motorists continue to get behind the wheel while impaired. Roughly 20 percent of all fatal Arkansas car accidents and just under ten percent of those accidents resulting in serious injury involve alcohol.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is the single leading cause of Fort Smith car accidents. According to the most recent data from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, aggressive driving accidents make up more than 20 percent of all car-accident-related injuries and fatalities. Speeding is the most common form of aggressive driving; however, other types of aggressive driving include:
• Erratic driving;
• Frequently changing lanes;
• Failing to use turn signals;
• Cutting other drivers off;
• Completing turns too quickly;
• Failing to yield the right of way;
• Tailgating; and
• Sudden braking.
Aggressive drivers often believe that they are superior drivers. However, this arrogance is misplaced and puts everyone who shares the road with an aggressive driver at serious risk.
Traffic Violations
Regardless of other potential causes, most Fort Smith car accidents are caused by a driver committing a traffic infraction. All drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Of course, this means following all traffic laws and posted traffic signs. However, drivers frequently make mistakes, and even a seemingly minor violation can have disastrous consequences. Some of the most common traffic violations that can lead to a Fort Smith car accident include:
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Traveling too fast for the conditions
• Improper turns
• Following too closely
• Failing to use a turn signal
• Backing-up accidents
• Equipment malfunctions
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a Fort Smith car accident, the dedicated personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., can help. We represent accident victims who were injured in all types of motor vehicle collisions. Our attorneys have significant, hands-on experience dealing with complex insurance companies and have a track record of successfully recovering fair compensation on behalf of our injured clients.
Contact the Fort Smith Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. Today
If you or someone you love recently suffered serious injuries in a car accident, reach out to the Fort Smith personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers have decades of experience fighting on behalf of injured motorists to ensure they recover the compensation they need and deserve. While we recognize that nothing can take away the pain, inconvenience, and emotional stress caused by an accident, with our help, you can pursue meaningful compensation that will enable you to move on with your life after an accident more easily. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, give the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. a call at 479-361-3575. You can also reach us through our online contact form.