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Driving is like second nature to most of us.  Our brains are almost fully occupied elsewhere while our bodies go through the motions behind the wheel.  Only when another driver cuts us off, or we almost change lanes into another car do we bring our attention fully back to the road.  The Dallas accident attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP want to help you avoid a car accident before it happens.  Dallas’s highways and roads are fraught with construction and traffic, and this makes it even more challenging to stay safe on the road.

If you have been in a car accident, a Dallas accident attorney can help you take care of your immediate medical and financial needs, as well as address the long-term legal issues you are facing.  Whether you are struggling to deal with insurance companies or an uninsured driver, you need a Dallas car accident attorney to make sure that your rights are protected, and that your accident is resolved quickly and successfully.

We hope that you find the information on our website helpful.  After browsing through our website, please contact a Dallas accident attorney at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP for your free case review today.

What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Road Rage/Aggressive Driving

Anyone who has been behind the wheel knows that there is nothing more valuable on the road than patience.  From traffic to discourteous drivers, there are an infinite number of reasons to get upset on the road.  But, there are times when upset or irritation crosses the line into road rage.

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”  Whether this involves speeding, rapidly changing lanes, or tailgating, road rage creates extremely dangerous conditions ripe for an accident.

If you tend to get aggressive on the road yourself: relax.  If there is traffic on your route that always tries your patience, consider alternate routes so that you do not lose control of your emotions while in traffic.  Consider the severity of accidents that can occur in situations of aggressive driving, and try to remember that an accident will cost you more time and money than traffic will.

What should you do if you encounter an aggressive driver?  Do not engage or react.  Change lanes when you can do so safely, and allow the driver to pass.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving after drinking alcohol is an all too common occurrence in our society.  But while it may be considered socially acceptable to have a few drinks at dinner and then get behind the wheel, it creates an extremely dangerous atmosphere on the road.  In Dallas, the situation is compounded by the fact that our city is spread out, and people rarely walk or take public transportation to social events.

Even one drink slows a driver’s reaction time and affects his ability to focus.  Several drinks can result in a drowsy driver, and on the highway at night, this can become a particularly dangerous problem.

In the state of Texas, every 20 minutes someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol.  It takes far less than you think to become legally intoxicated.  Before you even begin drinking, decide how you will get where you are going.

Speeding

Speeding is the most common contributing factor to car accidents.  The faster you are going, the more difficult it is to slow down or stop when you need to.  Situations requiring an immediate response arise all the time on the road, but when you are driving over the speed limit, you may not be able to slow your car down in time to avoid an accident.  The faster you are going, the more at risk you are for having an accident.  Slow down and follow the posted speed limit; it is there for a reason.

Poorly Maintained Roads

Just as each driver enters the road with a responsibility to drive safely and attentively, each city and state has the responsibility to maintain its streets and highways.  In Dallas, we have roads that are notorious for potholes and cracks.  This makes safe driving very difficult, and requires drivers to bring even more focus to the road.  The same is true of road signs and traffic lights: the city of Dallas has the responsibility for keeping them current and maintained.  If even a single element isn’t maintained, car accidents are much more likely to occur.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can take many forms.  Phones are the biggest distraction today because they play such a huge role in our lives.  Phones are no longer just for making calls: they keep us connected to our work life, our family life, and our social life.  They house our pictures, videos, and calendars, and are therefore a huge distraction.

Digital distractions join the old: purses, radios, food, and even our passengers present infinite opportunities for distraction.  Distracted driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving, and is responsible for more and more accidents each year.  Even hands-free devices create mental distraction and therefore are best avoided.  When you get behind the wheel, try to stay focused on the road.  Your phone will still be there when you get to your destination.

Defective vehicles

A driver can do everything right, but if the vehicle she is driving is defective, an accident can still occur.  There are hundreds of critical parts in a car, and any one of them can give out.  Whether your accident occurred because your steering locked, your brakes gave way, your tires blew out, or your accelerator stuck, a Dallas accident attorney at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP can hold the right party responsible.

Weather

In Texas, we are used to a sunny day turning into a foggy and rainy one in an instant.  Heavy winds, fog, and hail are also common, and can create extremely dangerous driving conditions.  When you combine inclement weather with aggressive drivers, unmaintained roads, and digital distractions, you end up with the literal perfect storm.

Bad weather is the perfect time to become extra-vigilant behind the wheels.  Staying under the speed limit and leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front of you can be the difference between having an accident and getting safely to your destination.  If possible, waiting until conditions improve can avoid problems altogether.

Contact a Dallas Car Accident Attorney Today

As you can see, there are many factors that go into any given car accident.  The insurance companies will want to provide their own explanations for your accident, but a Dallas accident attorney can ensure that the proper parties are held accountable, and that you are compensated fully for your injuries.  Contact a Dallas car accident attorney at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP today for your free case review.

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