Road traffic injuries are on the rise, with a number of different causes contributing to the issue. Drink driving, speeding, and cell phone usage are the three main causes, however, there are numerous other reasons that result in people ending up in such accidents.
This short guide will help identify the main reasons for the sadly rising number of traffic-related injuries, as well as explain how to seek legal advice and make a claim with a solicitor if you are in the unfortunate position to have been injured yourself.
In the United States, road traffic injuries grew by around 530,000 incidents from 2011 to 2017, despite the previous two decades seeing a general fall in the number. For the majority of fatal crashes, the drivers were male, while the highest rising cause of the crashes is the usage of cell phones, explained further later in this article.
The reality for many people who are caught up in road collisions is that it was not their fault, but that of another driver. If this is the case – and, indeed, if you are injured on a bus, motorcycle or bicycle – you could be entitled to make a claim for some compensation.
Using a no win, no fee solicitor reduces the risk of your claim, while free consultations with an experienced solicitor are obviously a bonus. To find this service, Aston Knight Solicitors operate nationwide and has vast experience in complex liability disputes and serious injuries, dealing with vehicle damage and hire charges on top.
The most common claim is for whiplash, a soft-tissue injury, but a solicitor will be willing to listen to any concerns you might have. These injuries could have come from any type of road traffic accident, the main causes of which are listed below.
In the United States, 29 people die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. A story as old as cars themselves, too many people consider themselves safe to drive after a visit to a bar or restaurant where they consume alcohol. To prevent this, while there is a limit of units where it is still legal to drive, attempt to not drink any alcohol at all. This removes any risk and will give you and passengers peace of mind.
Speeding is, of course, often caused by other external factors and impairments. The fact of the matter remains, though, that speeding continues to account for around a third of all motor vehicle fatalities.
Attempting to multitask by texting or using social media while driving, accompanied by the relative inexperience of the driver, is particularly dangerous for teenage vehicle users. It is illegal to use a cell phone while handling a car, but with cell phone ownership now forming a blanket over almost the entire US population, the issue is bound to rise further still.
While the aforementioned three causes of road traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities are the predominant ones, there are multiple others, including: