According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2 million American drivers were hospitalized in 2012 as a result of car accidents. Collisions are unfortunate risks that come with driving a vehicle; however, by making yourself aware of the most common causes of crashes, you may be able to reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
Man And Woman Having Argument After Traffic Accident
If you were in a wreck and suffered injuries due to the negligence of another motorist, then you may be entitled to compensation to pay for lost wages, medical bills and other expenses. An Albuquerque car accident attorney from The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC can guide you through the process of recovering compensation. To learn more, call our office today at 505-207-4401.
In the meantime, read on to learn some of the most common causes of collisions and how to respond to an accident:
Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Mexico
Driving safely is a responsibility that everyone should embrace. Unfortunately, because there are countless ways that an accident can occur, most drivers will still get into an accident at one point or another. Fortunately, understanding the most common causes of crashes can help you identify a hazard and potentially avoid an accident.
Some of the most common car accident causes start within the vehicle itself, with cell phones, GPS devices, radios and even conversations, which can all take the driver’s attention off the road. Though you may do everything in your power to maintain perfect awareness of your surroundings, you cannot rely on other drivers to do the same. Paying attention to the behavior of other cars around you is an important skill to master when behind the wheel.
Other common causes of accidents include failure to abide by traffic laws, aggressive driving and speeding. Not only should you do your best to follow all laws and avoid dangerous driving behavior, but you should also be aware of drivers who are not doing so.
How to Respond in the Event of an Accident
Your decisions immediately following an accident can influence your ability to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. Under no circumstances should you leave the scene of a crash without exchanging information with other drivers first.
In some cases, leaving will not only damage your ability to collect potential damages, but it may also be illegal – especially if someone sustained injuries in the collision. Unless there was an injury or serious property damage, you do not have to contact the police; however, if conversations between you and other drivers are heating up, having an officer present to mediate might be the best course of action.
Even if you do everything right, navigating the legal system after a collision can be complicated and overwhelming. An experienced accident attorney can handle the legal side of your collision so you can focus on physical and emotional recovery.
If you would like to speak with an Albuquerque personal-injury attorney about a recent accident, contact The Law Offices of Brian K. Branch, PC. Call us today at 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation.