Each time you get behind the wheel, you are accepting some risk. There’s always the possibility that you will be involved in an accident.
In New York, which is home to over eight million people, accidents are a bit more common than in other areas. While some accidents are minor fender benders with minimal damage and injuries, others can be catastrophic. Knowing the common causes of these catastrophic accidents that often result in fatalities is one of the best ways to avoid them.
Distracted driving
One of the biggest causes of serious car accidents is distracted driving. Many people don’t realize that distractions don’t just mean using your phone. Other common causes of distractions include:
- Talking to other people in the vehicle
- Changing the radio or climate control system
- Grooming (doing your hair or makeup)
- Eating or drinking
- Reaching for something that fell
Any of these things take your attention away from the road. This is when a large number of serious accidents occur.
Excessive speed
Another cause of catastrophic accidents is speeding. If you are traveling at a high rate of speed when an accident occurs, there’s more force involved, which means more serious injuries or even death for you and anyone else involved.
While anyone can be in an accident involving excessive speed, young men seem to be the most common victims of this type of situation.
Protecting your rights after a catastrophic accident
If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in an accident caused by someone else’s neglect or wrongful act, you have rights. One right is to recover compensation for your losses and damages. It’s important to act quickly, as there is a time limit regarding how long you have to recover damages.