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A Jacksonville Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Discusses Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even though U.S. drivers drove less in 2020 due to COVID-19, early estimates show that an estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle accidents, the largest projected number of fatalities since 2007. This represents an increase of about 7.2 percent over the 36,096 fatalities reported in 2019. Motor vehicle accidents are dangerous, damaging, nearing epidemic in number, and usually preventable. If you’ve been involved in one, recovering the financial compensation you are entitled to is essential for your recovery. In North Carolina, a Jacksonville motor vehicle accident lawyer from the Pope Law Firm can help.
What Are the Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in North Carolina?
Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by negligent driving. That is to say, a driver who does not drive with reasonable care. Careless driving may consist of many things but commonly includes:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding up to “beat” a yellow light
- Following too closely
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Driving while texting or otherwise distracted
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while drowsy
- Driving too fast for road or weather conditions
What Are the Types of Vehicles That Are Involved in North Carolina Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Although pedestrians and bicycle riders can suffer damage from accidents, most motor vehicle accidents involve cars, trucks, or motorcycles.
Car Accidents
Accidents involving cars are the most common type of accident, although truck accidents cause more fatalities. According to the NCDOT Annual Crash Facts Report, there were 247,214 traffic crashes reported in 2020. Aside from negligent driving, car accidents are commonly caused by inclement weather, darkness, manufacturing defects, construction zones, and poor surface conditions. Although bad weather and darkness are not preventable, negligence may still lie with various parties for manufacturing defects, unsafe construction zones, and unsafe surface conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, unpaved roadways, or improper signage.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are far more legally complex than car or motorcycle accidents, primarily for two reasons: (1) investigations must be made to determine whether any of the federal and state regulations involving large commercial trucks and drivers were violated, and (2) investigations must be made to determine which, and how many, people or entities are responsible for the accidents. Although truck accidents are less common than car accidents, they are much more likely to result in serious injuries or death because of the sheer force of an 80,000 lb. vehicle rolling down the road at 70 m.p.h.
Motorcycle Accidents
Even though motorcycles are nimble enough to steer away from some potential accidents, they are the most dangerous type of motor vehicle accident for the rider. Motorcycle riders are notoriously hard to see by less than diligent car or truck drivers because they present such a narrow profile on the roads. Furthermore, motorcycle riders lack the protective metal cocoon found on cars and trucks, often riding with nothing but a helmet (hopefully) between the rider and the pavement or another vehicle.
How A Jacksonville Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Involved in An Accident
The Pope Law Firm is a premier personal injury law firm in North Carolina. If you’ve been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, we’ll gather the necessary evidence, investigate the accident to establish the legal facts, develop legal strategies based on your unique circumstances, provide you with options, and represent you to any insurance company or opposing party involved. Contact us before you speak to any potentially adverse party.