Gainesville may be the “Poultry Capital of the World,” but it seems people aren’t too chicken about driving dangerously on the roads. Collisions are a common occurrence around the city, from fender benders to T-bones and rollovers. No matter how minor these accidents may seem, they can result in serious injuries.
If you’re injured in a car accident in Gainesville, you may be unsure who to turn to. You might be facing a growing pile of medical bills, but be unable to work due to your injuries. The good news is, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
A Gainesville car accident lawyer can help you figure out how much money you deserve after your wreck. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Before you accept any settlement offer from the insurance company, get in touch with an auto accident attorney in Gainesville.
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Gainesville
Car accidents can happen for any reason in Gainesville. Maybe a chicken crosses the road and causes a driver to swerve, or maybe someone is daydreaming about why a chicken would cross the road and isn’t paying attention. No matter the reason, if you’re injured in a car wreck that isn’t your fault, you have the right to compensation.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the biggest issues on America’s roads today. Drivers may look down to check their GPS, might take a phone call, could turn to look a wreck on the side of the road, or be distracted for any other number of reasons. But once a driver is distracted, their risk of causing a car accident jumps exponentially.
It’s important to always keep your eyes on the road. If you’re distracted by too much noise, turn down the radio and avoid talking to your passengers. Never use your phone and drive (if fact, it’s against the law).
2. Drunk Driving
Even though there are plenty of alternatives to getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, too many people still drive while drunk. It’s a deadly action that takes thousands of lives every year. Driving drunk slows reaction times, makes people more confident than they should be, and overall makes an unsafe situation for everyone involved.
Instead of driving drunk, find another way to get home. Call a taxi or an Uber, designate a driver, or call someone to come pick you up. If you’re near a driver you think is drunk, stay behind them so you can react to their moves. Better yet, pull off to the side of the road and call 9-1-1.
3. Not Maintaining the Vehicle
It’s every driver’s responsibility to perform regular maintenance on their car. That means getting their brakes checked, making sure they have enough oil and gas, fixing cracked windshields, and more. If a person fails to maintain their vehicle, and they cause an accident because of it, they can be held liable.
One of the most overlooked issues is balding tires. Many people don’t think about their tires wearing down until they start to slip and slide on the road. Even if a person is unaware they have bad tires, they can still be held responsible for any wreck that happens because of it.
4. Manufacturer’s Error
Of course, not all car malfunctions are caused by a driver’s negligent maintenance. Sometimes, the manufacturer has made a mistake that causes the car to not operate properly. For instance, they may install a new type of brake line that, at low temperatures, cracks and causes the brakes to fail.
It’s important to always be on the lookout for any recalls regarding your vehicle. However, if a wreck is caused by a manufacturer error, that manufacturer can be held liable for any injuries. In some cases, a class action lawsuit will be filed against the manufacturer if enough people have been injured due to the same malfunction.
Speak to a Gainesville Car Accident Lawyer Today
There are many other reasons a car accident may happen, such as animals being in the road or the road surface being slick. If you’re injured in a wreck caused by someone else’s actions or negligence, you have the right to compensation.
An auto accident attorney in Gainesville can help you figure out all of your legal options, and what your best course of action is. Your lawyer will offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so there’s no risk in contacting an attorney today.