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.

You’ve been in an auto accident and you truly don’t know what to do next.

The Gee Law Firm has established offices throughout Central Virginia and are here to assist you. Here are some things to consider if you have been in an auto accident, and think you need an auto accident attorney in Richmond Virginia.

Why hire an auto accident attorney?

TIME IS CRITICAL

After you have been involved in an accident, the clock is ticking for you to seek medical treatment and legal advice. Rest reassured that if you follow these helpful tips, you will know what to do after an accident..

Depending on the seriousness of the accident, you may need medical attention but be too shaken up.. Accidents happen but an experienced auto accident attorney will be able to guide you through the process. Why risk losing peace of mind and compensation by assuming you know what to do? Contact The Gee Law Firm..

LIABILITY IS UNCLEAR  

If the circumstances surrounding your auto accident are complicated and the police report documents both parties involved to be at fault, contact an auto accident attorney in Richmond Virginia. Do not waste time as the other party may be uninsured or under the influence. This matter may require additional investigation and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

There may be witnesses in the matter who can help you by documenting the incident with your local police agency. Most of the time people are willing to help – it is in your best interest to resolve the liability matter at hand. The Gee Law Firm is on your side and passionate about getting you the justice you deserve.

QUESTIONS ABOUT INSURANCE SETTLEMENT 

Let’s say the insurance company has given you an offer that sounds good but you are not confident it is a fair offer. You may have no way of knowing what is a fair offer. To ensure that you are fairly compensated for your loss contact an auto accident attorney at The Gee Law Firm.

For more information on Auto Accidents: click here.

Many times insurance companies will try to settle your case before you hire an attorney. Know your rights and feel confident not being pressured to accept an unreasonable offer from an insurance company. Never allow yourself to be recorded by an insurance company until you contact an auto accident attorney first.

VARIOUS TYPES OF DAMAGES

You may be somewhat stunned after an auto accident and think you know what damages are included when making a claim with your insurance company. It be wise to reach out to an expert in the personal injury law field, such as The Gee Law Firm, who understand the types of damages you could claim. .

Common damages stemming from an auto accident are: car repairs, lost wages, medical bills, medication co-pays, and pain and suffering. .

MEDICAL BILLS

Did you know that there were over 4.6 million automobile accidents in the United States2016? Unfortunately 40,000 of those accidents resulted in fatalities.

While there are many types of injuries that can occur from an auto accident, common injuries are neck and chest injuries, head and back injuries, broken bones, concussions, and emotional stress.

The Gee Law Firm is here to assist you in your time of need. We provide free consultations and are available 24/7.

LIABILITY DISPUTE WITH INSURANCE COMPANY 

You pay hundreds of dollars every year to your insurance company, but what happens when they refuse to compensate you after an auto accident?

For over 30 years, The Gee Law Firm has been committed to representing injured people throughout Virginia and have a proven record of commitment to excellence.

Give them a call at 804-226-4111, you’ll be glad that you did.

The post When to Call an Auto Accident Attorney in Richmond, Virginia appeared first on Geelawfirm.