Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group
It may come as no surprise that a significant majority of personal injury cases in the United States stem from car accidents. In 2012, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported approximately 5.6 million car crashes. Disturbingly, in 2021, speeding-related crashes resulted in the deaths of 12,330 individuals. Notably, there was an alarming 8% surge in speeding-related fatalities from 2020 to 2021, with speeding accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities in the latter year. These figures, released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, shed light on the gravity of the situation.
While speeding-related crashes encompass drivers of all age groups, data reveals that roughly 24% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 44 involved in fatal crashes were speeding. Additionally, young men are disproportionately represented in fatal crashes involving speeding. Astonishingly, in 2021, 35% of male drivers aged 15-20 and 31% of male drivers aged 21-24, both tragically involved in fatal crashes, were found to be speeding.
Recognizing the Hazards of Speeding
Regardless of one’s proficiency behind the wheel, it is vital to comprehend the inherent dangers associated with speeding. The act of speeding:
- Diminishes one’s ability to navigate safely around other vehicles, hazardous objects, or unexpected curves.
- Lengthens the distance required for a vehicle to come to a complete stop.
- Amplifies the risk of a collision, as other vehicles and pedestrians may struggle to accurately gauge the distance of an approaching speeding vehicle.
The ramifications of being involved in a car crash are undeniably devastating, often entailing severe physical injuries or, tragically, even loss of life. Furthermore, these unfortunate incidents invariably result in substantial property damage, leading to exorbitant costs and potentially life-altering consequences.
Regrettably, despite exercising utmost care and defensive driving practices, external factors beyond one’s control can precipitate car collisions. Inclement weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can impede visibility and impair driving skills, magnifying the potential for catastrophic outcomes resulting from minor errors in judgment.
Moreover, the behavior of other motorists sharing the road also significantly influences the likelihood of car crashes. If one encounters an impaired driver on the road, the risk of an accident escalates substantially. In such instances, it is prudent to exercise caution by temporarily yielding and allowing the impaired driver to proceed.
Negligent Driving
By and large, legal claims arising from car accidents fall within the purview of negligence law. Any failure on the part of a driver to exercise the requisite level of diligence while operating a motor vehicle constitutes negligence. Should injuries or damages result from such negligence, the aggrieved party possesses the right to seek compensation for the ensuing harm.
However, establishing fault in car accidents presents a considerable challenge. Both parties involved in a traffic accident may attempt to assign blame to the other. One party might contend that the other driver carelessly violated traffic rules or initiated the collision that ultimately led to the car accident.
When determining fault or negligence, the courts consider various factors, including:
- Violation of traffic signals
- Failure to use signal lights when changing lanes or turning
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Reckless disregard for road safety by intentionally engaging in dangerous driving behaviors
- Failure to recognize and adapt to hazardous weather conditions
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving epitomizes unsafe practices that flagrantly disregard public safety and well-being, significantly heightening the likelihood of car accidents. Such behavior may encompass:
- Deliberately running through a stoplight
- Engaging in improper lane changes
- Neglecting to signal when making turns
- Engaging in irresponsible lane changes without proper consideration for nearby vehicles
- Driving at excessive speeds deemed perilous given the prevailing conditions
Drunk Driving
Did you know that one person dies every 51 minutes due to drunk driving? This alarming statistic underscores the substantial risks associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to operating a vehicle. Engaging in such irresponsible and dangerous conduct not only imperils the life of the intoxicated driver but also endangers the safety of other road users who share the same thoroughfares.
By understanding these critical aspects, individuals can navigate the complexities of car accidents and related legal matters more effectively. In such trying circumstances, it is strongly advised to seek the expertise of a qualified Las Vegas personal injury attorney to ensure the protection of one’s rights and pursue rightful recourse.
