Most people believe they will never be involved in a car accident because they drive all the time. Since it’s such a routine, for some an everyday activity, many people lose sight of the dangers of careless driving.

Unfortunately, it is not you’re personally involved in a vehicle accident that you become aware of the consequences and implications of driving. Even if you take every precaution possible to keep yourself and family safe while driving, you run the risk of encountering careless drivers on the road.

Twenty two years ago I was involved in a horrific car accident with my two little ones on board and although I was not the at fault driver, my family’s life was forever changed. As a result of that accident, I became a car accident attorney, and for that reason I feel obliged to share some traffic conditions that you may encounter, especially during the holidays when ground travel increases.

Therefore, in this blog we’ll discuss what the major causes of car accidents are, and how we can avoid them. 

  • Speeding: If you are going 20 to 30 miles over the speed limit, you run the risk of being involved in a car accident.  Observe speed limits, so you can control your reaction time when you need to stop abruptly.
  • Drunk Driving: When you are under the influence of alcohol, you lose the ability to function properly, and focus on the road. Simply put, if you are driving, don’t drink alcohol and if you do, call an Uber or a taxi. 
  • Rain: When it rains, you should always have your lights on and drive slower than usual. If you do not feel safe, avoid driving. If you get caught in the rain while driving, find a safe place to pull over and wait for it to stop.
  • Ignoring traffic lights: Pay attention to the road! Many accidents occur because people run red lights, either because they don’t want to wait at the light or because they didn’t realize it turned red. This can immediately cause an accident. It is recommended that you slow down at a yellow light to avoid running a red light.
  • Distractions: Don’t multitask or use your phone if you are behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off the road even for fractions of a second can have serious consequences.

Suffering a car accident is a traumatic experience in itself, and dealing with all the legal implications that come with it can be heartbreaking. You could end up fighting the insurance company to pay you compensation or the possibility of facing charges and even serving years in prison due to a terrible oversight on your part.

If we put these small things into practice every day, the road could be a much safer place for everyone. Remember that at the Law Offices of Gretchen Ortiz, we offer a 24/7 emergency phone number, 407-627-1797.

Remember to always wear your seat belt, even for short distances.