Common causes of car accidents in Clarkesville range from distracted driving to driving under the influence. Motorists may fail to adjust their driving behaviors for weather or road conditions, resulting in failure-to-yield collisions. Regardless of the cause, accident victims should contact a motor vehicle accident attorney to help navigate the recovery process.
Car accidents in Clarkesville can happen for all kinds of reasons, but they are commonly caused by driver error or negligence.
Although most people think of cellphones when they hear distracted driving, the law encompasses any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. That may include eating, grooming, or using a radio or console. In Georgia, cellphone use while driving is restricted to hands-free systems. Drivers cannot support a phone with any part of their body, such as placing it on their lap, while driving.
Posted limits provide a safe speed for vehicles to travel for the road conditions and the surrounding environment. Exceeding the speed limit can make it difficult for drivers to obey traffic signals, which can result in collisions. Excessive speed can also cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment. Despite how people may feel, their reaction time and coordination are slowed when under the influence.
Weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating are aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to accidents. Drivers may not leave sufficient space to stop safely and crash into surrounding vehicles.
Unfortunately, many motorists drive while tired. Fatigue can slow a driver’s reaction time and weaken their ability to concentrate. When fatigued, motorists should be extra vigilant when driving.
While driving may seem automatic, it takes practice to control a vehicle in varying circumstances. Inexperienced drivers may not adjust their driving to changes in traffic or weather, or may be slow to react to avoid a possible collision.
If you were in an accident that you believe was the other driver’s fault, we strongly recommend consulting our lawyers about next steps.
The first steps following an accident should be to check for injuries and call 911. While waiting for Clarkesville emergency services, record the auto accident details–including possible causes–and write down the contact and insurance information for the other drivers.
Responding officers will investigate the accident. They will ask all parties to describe the sequence of events and record contact and insurance information. They may note traffic conditions and document the location of property damage. Accident victims should request a copy of the police report and notify their insurance providers.
Ask witnesses what they remember about the accident and note their contact information. If they have photographs or videos, drivers should ask for copies. Accurate contact details are essential to ensure that substantiating testimony is available if needed.
Accident victims should always take pictures of the accident scene at the time of the accident. The images can highlight weather conditions, road construction, and traffic congestion. Drivers should also check the surrounding area for security or traffic cameras that may have captured the accident.
These steps are often the key to building a strong compensation claim.
Knowing the common causes of car accidents in Clarkesville can help drivers reduce their accident risk. It can also help them improve their defensive driving skills. However, accidents can happen regardless of how vigilant drivers may be. If you are involved in a car accident, contact Smith Hulsey Law to discuss your options for damage recovery.
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