Did you know that the majority of car accidents – both minor and major – are caused by human error? While many crashes are minor and some people are able to walk away without a scratch, thousands of people die every year in the United States due to tragic vehicle crashes. According to the National Safety Council, in 2016 alone over 40,000 people died in auto accidents.

The Gee Law Firm is committed to helping individuals avoid accidents by helping them understand how they can occur, and what drivers can do to avoid them. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, our team is also here to serve your legal needs. Learn more here.

Common causes of vehicle accidents in the United States are:

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of accidents in the US. According to the CDC, more than 1,000 people a day are involved in an accident due to distracted driving.

Distracted driving includes any behavior that diverts your attention away from driving, such as talking or texting on your cell phone, eating, drinking, obsessing with the stereo, gazing at the hillsides, fidgeting with the navigation system,or anything that takes your attention away from what you are supposed to be doing – DRIVING.

Texting is a very common distraction. Reading a text for only 5 seconds (while driving at 55 mph) is similar to driving blindfolded the entire length of a football field. Is it worth it?

The Gee Law Firm recommends speaking up and getting involved. If you are in the car with a friend (or any person) and they are distracted while driving, you should speak up. It’s one of the common causes of auto accidents in people under 21. It just might save a life.

DRUNK DRIVING

Driving while intoxicated happens to be the leading cause for the most deadly accidents in the United States.

Even though drunk driving deaths have fallen by one third over the last three decades, drunk driving collisions still claim over 10,000 lives per year. The statistics are shocking – https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

The Gee Law Firm recommends taking an Uber, Lyft, taxi, bus or selecting a responsible designated driver before the festivities begin. Your life and someone else’s life may depend on it.

SPEEDING

While many of us have been guilty of pushing the limits when we are running late, the negative consequences outweigh any possible tardiness. Getting to a destination just a few minutes earlier is simply not worth the end result.

Speeding is one of the top three causes of auto accidents. Speed related crashes have increased the mortality rate by 40% in Virginia.

Stay safe by monitoring speed. Using navigation apps such Waze will tell you when you are speeding and give you reminders to slow down. Keeping speed in mind could save a life.

VIOLATING TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Those of us who are licensed drivers all know the meaning of a red light to be STOP, but yet many people choose to race through a red light. The excuses range from being late to work to having a plane to catch However, the results are quite devastating to the driver and the innocent other party.

Many states have enforced the use of cameras to discourage drivers from running the red light. The cameras have been very successful in preventing t-bone collisions. However, those same cameras could increase the chance of a rear end collision due to drivers that may make a sudden stop in an effort to avoid a ticket. Therefore, it is important to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you just in case that vehicle comes to an immediate stop.

Pedestrians and bicyclist are also culprits of avoiding traffic signals. Just be cautious and mindful of the rules of the road – and keep in mind that others on the road may not always follow traffic control.

The Gee Law Firm reminds all drivers that even if you follow all the rules of the road, it does not mean that everyone else does. In the event that you are involved in a car accident, it is always wise to protect yourself. Contact an experienced and professional law firm, such as The Gee Law Firm. We hope this common causes of auto accidents article helps you avoid accidents in the future.

Drive Safe America!

The post 4 Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents and Prevention Tips appeared first on Geelawfirm.

Without any given warning, your life can change in an instant and unfortunately, car accidents are never planned and more common than most people would think.

If you were to be one of the thousands injured in a car accident, you may need time off of work due to your injury, incur medical bills, and have a now have a totaled car.

You have determined you need to hire a car accident lawyer to protect your rights. Have no fear, The Gee Law Firm is here and they will be at your side every step of the way. This brilliant and experienced law firm provides the following tips on how to hire the right car accident lawyer in Richmond, Virginia.

The Gee Law Firm is here to help http://geelawfirm.com/contact-us/

PERSONAL INJURY FOCUS 

Hire a car accident lawyer who primarily handles personal injury cases.. The Gee Law Firm has skilled personal injury attorneys meaning their skills and expertise are carried over to you. A general practice law firm may not be as equipped as one that focuses only on personal injury cases.

When a firm, such as The Gee Law Firm, handles several car accident cases each year, they develop an expertise in that area and are better able to assist you. Personal injury law firms are more familiar at negotiating with insurance companies, which is a win-win for you in the end.

SOLID REPUTATION

Hire a car accident attorney with a good reputation. How do you know if the law firm you are considering has a good reputation? Satisfied clients will spread the good word through word of mouth.

It is important that the attorney’s firm have a professional website. Go online and visit their website – professional and experienced law firms will provide information about their attorneys. Read the profiles and visit their offices. This will provide you with confidence, knowing you have hired a reputable law firm.

GIVES BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY

Another way you can verify that a law firm is reputable is by how much time they devote to serving those in their community.

People who give back to their community make the world a better place through their selfless acts. . The “giving kind” are more trusted and respected, valuing others and being admired in their cherished community.

The Gee Law Firm is very active in the community. The firm has donated their time through public speaking at From the Heart Ministry Church, sponsored the Petersburg Park and the Leisure Watermelon Festival, and have adopted elementary school classrooms!

View More on The Gee Law Firm’s Community involvement here: http://geelawfirm.com/our-blog/

COMFORT LEVEL

Every lawyer has a different personality, just as every person is born with a unique personality. Take the time to visit the attorney’s firm and meet with the attorney you may be working with. Keep in mind there is a possibility you may be working with this attorney for several weeks or months. It is important that you feel comfortable with your attorney and make the best choice for you.

The Gee Law Firm has been fighting for the rights of their clients for over 30 years and they are committed to delivering you the justice you deserve! Furthermore, they provide free consultations….what have you got to lose?

Do you need a car accident lawyer? Give them a call at 804.226.4111 or visit their website to sign up for a free consultation.

http://geelawfirm.com/contact-us/

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