Oklahoma Car Accident Injury Law Library TOPIC: Causes of Car Accidents

Driving doesn’t need to be a risky proposition. There should be no fear when you drive from one side of town to another. Yet, day after day, Oklahoma City residents are involved in completely avoidable car accidents . Some of these people are seriously injured, and a few may even be killed.

Knowing the most common causes of car accidents may help you avoid them.

Causes of Car Accidents

• Driver fatigue – Drivers who are tired or fatigued are slower to react and may actually fall asleep behind the wheel. Avoid driving when you are exhausted and pay attention to other drivers, especially when driving at night
• Distracted driving – Avoid texting, adjusting the music, daydreaming, watching the scenery and rubbernecking. Distracted driving accidents account for a larger percentage of all car accidents every year. Pay attention to the road
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – Driving under the influence is one of the most maddening reasons people are injured and killed in accidents every year because they are completely avoidable. Do not drive if you’ve had too much to drink or are under the influence of drugs. It may be trite, but know when to say when
• Aggressive driving – Stay calm when behind the wheel. Speeding, weaving from lane to lane, and ignoring traffic signs and signals can cause serious accidents. If you are around someone driving aggressively, slow down and get out of their way if possible. Call 911 if you believe they are a danger to you and other drivers on the road
• Weather – Pay attention to the weather, especially during the stormy months of the year. Rain, sleet, and snow require slower driving, giving yourself more time, and staying at a greater distance from other vehicles. Stay home if it seems unsafe to drive and heed the meteorologists

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Oklahoma City area, please contact Self & Associates for a free case consultation today.

Any number of factors can contribute to a car accident. Some accidents are caused by other drivers, while others can be caused by faulty vehicles or severe weather conditions. No matter what the cause of your accident, if you have sustained an injury, you need an attorney on your side to make sure you secure the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Driver-Related Car Accidents

Many car accidents are caused by driver error. Some examples of these accidents include:

• Distracted drivers
• Reckless drivers
• Speeding drivers
• Drunk or intoxicated drivers

In these types of accidents, it may be simpler to prove who was at fault. However, you will still need an attorney to make sure insurance companies do not try to minimize your payment and withhold the damages you are due.

Unavoidable Car Accidents

Not all accidents are caused by driver error. Some examples of accidents that may be beyond a vehicle operator’s control include:

• Defective vehicles
• Defective roadways

In these instances, identifying the responsible party can be more difficult. An experienced attorney like James Self will be essential in helping you investigate the details of the accident, determining exactly which parties are at fault, and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured in any type of car accident in the state of Oklahoma, please contact experienced car accident attorney James Self at Self & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.