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Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of death in the United States. In Georgia, motor vehicle crashes were the second leading cause of death in 2020. In Florida, there have been over 200,000 crashes this year alone.
Even non-fatal crashes can cause severe pain and emotional, physical, and even financial suffering, with the nationwide cost of crashes being over $225 billion annually.
While accidents can happen due to any reason, there are common causes of car and auto accidents. Knowing the leading causes of accidents can help you remain vigilant and know what to look for.
Drunk Driving
Fatalities related to alcohol account for 31 percent of all vehicular accident fatalities in the U.S. Driving with a certain amount of blood alcohol content (BAC) can render you liable to receiving a DUI.
Each state decides its BAC limit, with the limit in Georgia and Florida both being 0.08. Georgia and Florida also operate on a zero-tolerance policy, meaning the BAC limit is even lower for select drivers, such as those under the age of 21.
Even if you don’t feel intoxicated, you may be over the legal BAC limit, and your driving ability may be impaired. Make sure never to drive drunk and to err on the side of caution.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can come in many facets: fatigued driving, eating or drinking while driving, texting or using your phone while driving, etc.
Despite what causes your distraction, distracted driving can be incredibly dangerous. Over 3,000 people were killed in 2020 as a direct cause of distracted driving in the U.S.
Multiple studies have shown that multitasking causes a severe detriment to both tasks. In the case of texting while driving, your ability to make decisions is limited, which can lead to injury to you or others.
What To Do in the Event of a Crash?
Even with vigilance and exercising proper driving etiquette, accidents may still happen. In the event of an accident, safely move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, call emergency services, receive medical attention if needed, and hire an attorney.
An attorney assures you the best chances to navigate the law to receive the most compensation possible. Hiring an understanding and capable attorney can be the first step toward receiving what you are owed.
At Kelleher Law, we proudly represent victims in Naples, Fort Myers, and throughout Southwest Florida, as well as Roswell and the greater Atlanta area in Georgia.
