CAR ACCIDENTS IN PA

Pittsburgh Car Accident Attorneys

Automobile collisions are called “accidents” for a reason. No one leaves their driveway thinking, “Today I’m going to be involved in a car accident.” However, there are ways to minimize the chance that you will be hurt by one of the common causes of car accidents – mostly by being aware of the risks and taking steps to avoid them.

The Pittsburgh auto accident lawyers of Rudberg Law Offices, LLC provide information about common causes of car accidents and explain what you can do to avoid injuries.

Speeding

Statistically, the second most common cause of car accident fatalities is driving at an excessive rate of speed (about 30% in 2008). While there is little you can do about other drivers speeding, you can spot someone weaving in and out of traffic or racing down the lane next to you and make sure you travel as far out of their way as possible. Additionally, you can take control of your own impulse to speed. Remember, there is nowhere you need to be for any reason that is worth increasing the risk of losing your life, the lives of your passengers, or anyone else’s on the road.

Driver Negligence

Many drivers commonly, even casually, break the law while they drive. Seemingly minor negligent acts such as dialing a cell phone, accelerating through yellow lights, and tailgating are often later cited as causes for devastating car accidents. Again, there is little you can do about other drivers’ negligence beyond keeping your eyes peeled for such careless activities and avoiding driving in their immediate vicinity. For yourself, you would be wise to adhere to traffic laws, even when what you are doing seems like a small breech. It only takes one negligent act to damage or end a life.

Driving While Intoxicated

With all the high-profile arrests for driving while intoxicated, you would think drivers would learn that drinking alcohol or doing drugs and then getting behind the wheel is a very bad idea. Alas, there are still a dangerous number of intoxicated drivers on our roadways, both in Pittsburgh and throughout the U.S. If you see someone you know is in no condition to drive about to get behind the wheel, do whatever it takes to stop them, up to and including calling the police for assistance. If you see a car swerving, driving too fast or too slow, or otherwise being poorly operated, you should assume the driver is intoxicated and steer far away from them. As for yourself, remember that alcohol and drugs can affect your reaction time and judgment, even at the low end of the legal scale for intoxication. Is having “one more for the road” really worth putting your life or someone else’s at risk?

Drowsiness

This is particularly dangerous when it comes to the truckers with whom you share the road. Many car accidents in Pittsburgh involving trucks result from overtired truck drivers losing control of their big rigs. However, any driver puts themselves and others in danger when they drive in spite of being exhausted. It only takes a moment of “highway hypnosis” to steer right off the road or slam into another vehicle. If you are sleepy, the best thing you can do is pull into a motel and get some rest before continuing your trip.

Weather

Ice, snow, driving rain, wind sheer and other nasty weather conditions are often cited as factors in car crashes. If you have to drive in bad weather, you should always proceed with extra care. Go slowly, stay very alert, and make sure you leave plenty of room between yourself and other cars. The extra stop time created by keeping a couple of car lengths between you and the driver ahead (or behind) you can make all the difference between avoiding an accident and being involved in one.

Road Conditions

Besides nature, the roads themselves are often the cause of car accidents. Poorly maintained roads, roads with inadequate signs, poorly-lit roads, and other defective roadway conditions can cause or contribute to single and multi-vehicle accidents. If you can avoid a nasty stretch of road, do so. If you are forced to travel on a defective roadway, take extra care to stick to the speed limit, keep your eyes peeled for potholes and other dangers, and watch out for other drivers who aren’t being as cautious as you.

Automobile Defects

Examples of vehicle defects range from faulty brakes to defective transmissions, and every possibility in between. Any one or more of these defects may be due to the manufacturer’s failure to exert adequate quality control during the manufacturing process, or because an car mechanic failed to correct a problem that you thought was addressed. Pay attention to all issued vehicle recall notifications and take the appropriate steps if your car is affected. Beyond that, always pay attention to how your vehicle is behaving, so you can identify any strange sounds or behaviors early and have them checked. Finally, maintain your automobile by having it serviced regularly by a well-regarded garage.

If despite your best efforts to keep safe, you are involved in a Pittsburgh auto accident, call the Pittsburgh car accident attorneys of Rudberg Law Offices, LLC for assistance at 866.306.2667, or complete our quick contact web form.