When people think about where car accidents occur, highways and interstates where vehicles are traveling at high speeds often come to mind. However, many auto accidents happen in areas more familiar to victims, such as parking lots or closer to home.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by another’s negligence, Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak is ready to help you recover the compensation you need.
Below, learn more about some of the common places accidents occur and what you can do to avoid them. If you need assistance with your car accident claim, contact the experienced South Bend car accident attorneys at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak.
Common Accident Locations
In 2017, approximately 4.57 million people were injured in auto accidents in the U.S., according to a preliminary annual report compiled by the National Safety Council. Some of the most frequently reported locations of auto accidents include:
Areas Close to Home
Many car accidents occur on streets familiar to the victim, often close to where he or she lives. In fact, approximately 52 percent of auto accidents in the U.S. occur within a five-mile radius of the victim’s home, whereas 69 percent of car crashes occur within a 10-mile radius, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
While you are traveling for your daily commute, be sure to remain alert of your surroundings. Although you may be in a familiar location, you should not let your guard down while driving. Remember to drive defensively and try to anticipate other drivers’ next move or areas where you are more likely to be involved in a collision.
Parking Lots
There are many variables in parking lots that may increase the risk of an auto accident. This includes fluctuating volumes of traffic throughout the day, pedestrians traveling to their vehicles and distracted drivers. Additionally, many motorists are unfamiliar with right-of-way laws in parking lots.
These factors make it risky to drive through parking lots. To avoid a collision, remember to drive slowly and give yourself plenty of room to anticipate other motorists’ actions. Furthermore, educate yourself on who has the right-of-way in a parking lot.
For example, drivers backing out of a parking spot must typically yield to approaching vehicles. Likewise, motorists cannot pass another vehicle while traveling in a parking lot or lane with a pedestrian crosswalk.
Rural Highways
Although there are fewer vehicles on rural highways, motorists still face a high risk of an auto accident. This may occur due to several factors, such as driver fatigue or distracted driving.
Furthermore, many rural highways are poorly maintained, resulting in potholes, uneven lanes and other dangerous hazards that are not present on other roadways.
Two-Lane Roads
Roads in non-residential areas are another common location where auto accidents occur. Motorists often try to pass slower vehicles on two-lane roads, increasing the risk of an accident. This increases the risk of a head-on collision if the passing driver does not check for approaching motorists.
Intersections
Accidents often occur in intersections when motorists neglect to follow traffic laws or directions from traffic devices. Traffic violations, such as running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign, can result in a serious auto accident that causes injury or death.
Additionally, some intersections are unregulated and only have stop signs or require drivers to yield to approaching vehicles. This may cause confusion as to which driver has the right-of-way. Auto accidents also occur when one driver attempts to make a left-hand turn into a busy intersection.
Accident Prevention Tips
Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid being involved in a car accident. Follow these accident prevention tips to stay safe:
- Pull slowly into traffic – When merging into traffic, approach slowly. Be aware of blind spots and look for any possible dangers. Look both directions before making a right-hand turn.
- Wait before going – Even if other motorists are at a red light, wait a few moments after the light turns green in case another drivers runs through a red light. Consider counting to three after the light turns green before proceeding.
- Scan ahead – Look ahead to keep your eye on any potential hazards that you may be approaching. Try to keep a safe distance between other vehicles so that you can avoid dangers like another motorist suddenly stopping or swerving.
- Give space – Avoid tailgating other vehicles and stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle traveling in front of yours.
- Avoid distractions – Avoid using your cellphone, having in-depth conversation with other drivers or engaging in other distracting behavior while driving.
Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident, it is important that you understand your legal right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. You may consider consulting with a trusted attorney who can inform you of your legal options to hold the other driver liable.
Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak’s dedicated personal injury lawyers in South Bend will provide you a free, no obligation consultation after being in a car accident caused by another’s negligence. We will review your claim and help you determine if you have a case that entitles you to compensation.
We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis and do not charge upfront legal fees. You only have to pay us if we recover compensation for you. Contact us as soon as possible to obtain qualified legal representation.
Call (844) 678-1800 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
