Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hanover County

Automobile accidents are common occurrences, but no two incidents are exactly alike. There are many common causes of car accidents in Hanover County that a driver must watch out for. The best course of action is to follow traffic laws and drive responsibly so that, in the event an accident does occur, they are not held liable and risk losing out on compensation. If you were hurt in a crash through no fault of your own, a seasoned car accident attorney can help you file suit for your losses.

One of the most common causes of car accidents is inattentive driving – including looking down at an electronic device to text, read, or take a photo. Drivers' attentions can also drift if they are talking to passengers, looking at objects off the road, or reading directions. Other common causes include not following the rules of the road, driving over the speed limit, ignoring stop signs and traffic lights, driving outside their lane, and driving in adverse conditions.

Speeding often results in a higher amount of property damage. Because it is harder to stop a vehicle at high speeds, the car can hit multiple objects with enough force to ruin property or injure a pedestrian. Driving over the speed limit is commonly seen as a cause of auto crashes in the county.

Driving while intoxicated is another common reason for accidents due to the driver's inability to see properly and react in time to hazards. Drunk driving can increase the value of a case for the plaintiff because, depending on the level of intoxication, the case could lead to what is called statutory punitive damages in addition to the compensatory damages seen in every other personal injury case. Typical compensatory damages are meant to cover a claimant for losses they suffered, such as hospital bills, property damage, and emotional suffering.

Punitive damages, on the other hand, are meant to punish the defendant and to send a message to others not to break the law or risk paying the price. If a negligent driver's blood alcohol level is over a certain amount, they can be assessed for punitive damages.

Car crashes commonly occur in Hanover County when drivers do not know, or do not follow, the traffic laws. However, it is easier to pin liability on the defendant if they ran a red light or a stop sign. They have a duty to obey the rules of the road, including stopping at specific intervals. If they cruise through a red light and strike another car that had the right-of-way, the driver who did not stop is usually going to be deemed to be at-fault. T-bone collisions are frequently seen when both parties cross an intersection at the same time.

It is against the law to drive in the wrong direction on a road or in a specific lane. Thus, the offender will be held liable for that action, even if it was an honest mistake or confusion. Drivers should be able to read any road signs that warn against driving in the wrong lane.

It is more difficult to see others on the road at night, but drivers still have a duty to do all they can to see the road in front of them. This includes wearing glasses or contacts, having headlights that work, and driving slower if necessary. Bad weather can also cause crashes, such as intense rain, fog, or slippery roads. Someone who wishes to go out on the road should look at the weather report to learn what conditions they might face, and plan accordingly.

The best way to protect yourself from a car accident is to know what to look out for. It is best practice to keep your distance from drivers who are swerving erratically, driving in the wrong lane, speeding, or failing to take proper precautions in bad weather. These are all common causes of car accidents in Hanover County and can lead to severe injury. If you were in an accident for any of these reasons, call a lawyer as soon as possible to learn how you could achieve financial relief.