As you commute to work or head out to run errands around town, you are probably not thinking about the potential risks you could be taking simply by getting behind the wheel of your vehicle. In reality, driving can be risky, especially because you cannot control the actions of others. Car accidents are often the result of negligent or reckless actions of other people on the road.
If you are the victim of a car accident, you may have grounds to pursue legal recourse for your pain and suffering. In order to have a valid claim, you must be able to prove that the choices or actions of another party caused you harm. It may help to learn more about the most common causes of car accidents and how you can protect your interests.
What caused your injuries?
Car accidents can happen for many reasons, and it is not always easy to determine the exact reason why. In fact, you could be suffering due to reasons beyond your control, but you may not be able to pinpoint what or who could be to blame. Building a strong personal injury case starts with identifying the cause and reason for the accident that left you injured. Some of the most common reasons for car accidents include:
- Distraction – You probably know that distraction is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Florida. This behavior, caused by everything from cell phones to in-car infotainment systems, can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, greatly increasing the chance of an accident.
- Intoxicated driving – When a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he or she is not able to safely operate a motor vehicle. In these situations, a driver should know to stay off the road and find another way home.
- Reckless driving – Everything from speeding to aggressive behaviors behind the wheel can count as reckless driving. Every person is responsible for following traffic laws and driving in ways that do not place others at unnecessary risk of harm.
It is possible your accident was the result of any of the above behaviors, but there are many other reasons why crashes happen. An assessment of your case can help you see what may be to blame for what happened to you and how you can move forward with the appropriate course of action. Personal injury cases are time sensitive, which is why it helps to seek guidance as soon as possible after a collision.
