There are over 2 million car accidents on America’s roadways every year and over 370,000 of those occurred in New York. According to recent studies, nearly 40 percent of New York car accidents result in serious injury or fatality. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for state residents who must often turn to personal injury lawyers for help.
Attorneys who specialize in car accidents help victims recover damages for serious personal injuries caused by another driver. Unfortunately, some types of auto accidents occur more frequently than others.
Here are the 5 most common types of car accidents handled by these specialized attorneys.
Human Error Accidents
Without a doubt, human error and driver negligence account for the highest number of accidents annually in New York. Accidents may be caused because drivers are distracted, inexperienced, or even under the influence of substances. When drivers behave irresponsibly and cause serious injury to others, the right attorneys can help hold them responsible for the damages they cause.
Poor Maintenance
Drivers have a responsibility to properly maintain their vehicles for the safety of everyone on the road. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that poor vehicle maintenance contributed to at least 7 percent of traffic accidents. Bad brakes, bald tires, and broken headlights are a hazard to every driver on the road.
Unsafe Roads
Roads that have been poorly designed or inadequately maintained contribute to thousands of auto accidents annually. Roads must be specifically designed and maintained for maximum safety. For instance, curves must be engineered for maximum coverage by headlights to ensure drivers have adequate visibility. Potholes, poor geometry, and other road defects cause serious traffic accidents, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Vehicle Malfunction
Millions of vehicles are recalled annually due to safety defects by the manufacturer. We’ve seen driver fatalities over faulty ignition switches and serious injuries caused by exploding airbags. Sometimes, vehicles can even be designed poorly. For instance, SUVs are more likely to roll over in an accident due to their top-heavy design.
Weather Related Conditions
Inclement weather can make driving conditions more difficult, especially for inexperienced drivers. Heavy rain, snow, ice, and fog can contribute to conditions that make it difficult to see or stop quickly. Drivers must reduce speeds and take extra precautions to avoid collisions in extreme weather conditions. They may need to activate fog lights or add special gear to prevent tires from skidding in the snow.
Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in one of these common types of car accidents and suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, call an experienced car accident attorney today. The right attorney will represent your rights and help you recover the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. Whether the driver at fault was operating under the influence or their brakes failed due to poor maintenance, you should not have to pay for their negligence. Let an experienced attorney guide you through the complex legal system so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
