It is unlikely that you woke up this morning and said, “Hey, I think I’ll get in a car accident today!” While we typically do not go looking for a car wreck, the fact is, if you are going to get behind the wheel, you are putting yourself at risk. You can follow the traffic laws to the letter and be the safest driver on the road, but that may not save you from other drivers and out-of-the-ordinary events.
Part of staying safe on the road is being aware. This does not just mean being aware of what’s going on around you, but also being aware of the most common types of car accidents and how you can avoid them. Read further to find out more about these common car accidents and strategies for avoidance.
Rear-endings
A rear-end collision is one of the most common types that happens on the roads, not just in Aurora, but nationwide. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, rear-end collisions make up approximately 29 percent of all traffic accidents. Most of these happen due to distracted drivers that take their eyes off the road and do not notice when those red brake lights in front of them light up.
In order to avoid a rear-end collision, be sure to always stay focused on the road. This includes when you are at a stop. Check your mirrors so that you can see if you are in danger of becoming a victim. You may be able to take evasive actions if it looks like the car coming behind you is not going to be able to stop in time.
Collisions with parked cars
If you thought your car was safe while it was parked, think again. Hitting parked cars is also a common type of accident and it occurs when people fail to factor in the size of their vehicle and rely too much on rearview mirrors and backup cameras.
When you park your car, try to keep your distance from other vehicles so that you can avoid getting side-swiped or ending up with one of those pesky door dings. Do not risk losing paint or gaining a dent when the car next to you has trouble pulling out of a tight parking space. Instead, park further away and walk that extra 30 seconds across the parking lot.
Water hazards
After a good rain, there is usually standing water on the road. When a car drives too fast through water, the tread on the tires cannot do its job of pushing the water away. This will cause a car to hydroplane and possibly lose control. Drive slowly when there is water on the road. This will not only help you avoid hydroplaning, it will also give you time to pay extra attention to cars that might hydroplane into you.
Animals in the road
While pedestrians typically have to use crosswalks to cross an intersection, this does not hold true for animals. A stray dog is not going to wait for the walk sign and a deer does not care if you were there first. When driving in areas that have a reputation for excessive wildlife crossings, take extra care to take it slowly and watch the sides of the roadway for signs of movement. Pay extra attention at dawn and dusk, and do not forget to use those high beams at night.
While it is always best to use caution while behind the wheel, it is not always a 100 percent guarantee that you can avoid every accident. If you have been involved in a car accident with a negligent driver, you might be able to file a claim for the damages and get the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will be able to advise you when it comes to accepting a settlement from an insurance company or going to court.
Amoni Law Offices, P.C. is located in Aurora, IL and serves clients in and around Aurora, Sugar Grove, Batavia, Elburn, North Aurora, Mooseheart, Bristol, Big Rock, Kane County and Kendall County.
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