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Be aware of these five common causes of Chicago car accidents

On Behalf of | Mar 31, 2023 | personal injury

There are a lot of dangerous drivers out there. If you want to keep yourself safe from them, you need to know how to identify risky driving behaviors and evade those who exhibit them. By being defensive when behind the wheel, you might be able to avoid a devastating accident that leaves you and your loved ones with severe injuries.

So, what are some of these dangerous driving practices that you need to be on the lookout for and try to avoid? Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents across America, including right here in Chicago:

  1. Distracted driving: The expansive use of technology has increased distracted driving Just a quick glance at the vehicles around you will probably reveal that some drivers are texting while driving or otherwise using their phones. But there are other distractions, too, including using navigation devices, engaging with vehicle passengers and looking for streets and addresses. If you see what you suspect is a distracted driver, you’re best off moving away from them.
  2. Speeding: Everyone has sped at some point in their lives, even if to a miniscule degree. However, those who drive well over the speed limit are much more likely to be involved in a car accident. This is because they have less time to slow down for stopped traffic or respond to maneuvers made by other drivers, such as changing lanes. If you catch a driver in your rearview mirror gaining on you quickly, you might want to move out of the way to simply let them pass.
  3. Following too closely: People don’t like it when the driver behind them rides their bumper. While this can be annoying, it can also be dangerous, as these drivers won’t be able to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision when you hit the brakes. So, if you’re being tailgated, don’t brake check that driver. Instead, find a way to move over to let them pass.
  4. Improperly turning: A lot of accidents are caused by individuals who struggle to navigate turns at complex intersections. In many of these instances, these drivers suddenly hit the brakes when they realize that they want to turn but are in a lane of traffic traveling straight through the intersection, which can cause a rear-end collision. Make sure you’re giving plenty of space to the vehicle in front of you to avoid these sorts of accidents.
  5. Drunk driving: Despite numerous public safety campaigns and enhanced law enforcement efforts, drunk driving continues to be a problem across the Chicago area. These unpredictable drivers can veer into oncoming traffic, swerve into other lanes of traffic and blow through intersections without regard for stop signs or traffic signals.

There are a lot of other common causes of car accidents out there. Tell us what you think is the most common dangerous driving behavior in Chicago.

What should you do if you’re hurt in an accident?

If you’re injured in a car crash, you need to document as much as possible in the event that you end up pursuing legal action. This means taking pictures of the accident scene and your injuries, talking to witnesses and recording their statements and their contact information and retaining your medical records and any other documentation that’s indicative of your injuries and the impact they’ve had on your physical, emotional and financial well-being.

Then, you might want to consider reaching out to a personal injury law firm to discuss your next steps. One of these legal teams can give you guidance as to how to approach your case and present your evidence in a persuasive fashion. Hopefully, you can find accountability for your accident and recover the compensation that you need.

In the meantime, stay safe out there, and consider reaching out to an attorney if you have specific questions about your legal claim.

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