Whether on highways, city streets or county roads, North Carolina drivers must avoid distractions and potentially unsafe drivers crowding around them. Unfortunately, accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles and 18-wheelers can result in a range of devastating injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord damage and paralysis.
While there are nearly countless factors and scenarios that can lead to a serious vehicle crash, there are common elements that can lead to danger, including:
- Distracted and inattentive driving: Whether eating breakfast on the way to work or making calls to pass the time on the way home, drivers allow themselves to be distracted from the singular act of staying safe on the road. Any activity that pulls focus and attention from driving – even for an instant – can be defined as a distraction.
- Impaired driving: While many people assume an impaired driver is drunk, impairment can also refer to drugs or prescription medication. Any substance that could cause cognitive or perceptive impairment must be strictly avoided when you get behind the wheel.
- Drowsy driving: Whether it is driving to an early-morning class or driving home after a long shift at work, drivers who are fatigued can cause numerous hazards on the road. From uncontrollable yawning to blurred vision to simply falling asleep while behind the wheel, drowsy driving can lead to devastating motor vehicle collisions.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Generally, outside factors can influence a driver’s mood and safety. A negative interaction at work, stress at home or simply being late for an appointment can cause a driver to speed and take unnecessary chances on the road. Unfortunately, this can lead to collisions and instances of road rage.
- Poor weather: While the weather cannot be controlled while behind the wheel, it must be respected. Rain, fog, snow or generally slippery roads must be taken into account. Slow your speed and increase your following distance to reduce the chance of collisions.
If you were injured in a serious car accident, it is crucial that you take steps to protect your finances. Time away from work, property damage and medical bills can all lead to insurmountable debt. Depending on the factors in your accident, you might be entitled to recover monetary compensation.
