Car accidents happen far too often on roads, often leaving victims with serious injuries, financial stress, and a long recovery ahead. Understanding the top causes of these accidents and how to avoid them can go a long way in keeping yourself and others safe. However, if you do find yourself involved in a crash, speaking with a car wreck attorney Fort Worth is a crucial step to protect your rights and navigate what comes next. Let’s break down some of the most common causes of car accidents in Fort Worth, Texas and simple ways to stay safe.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, and it covers a lot of ground. Texting, eating, fiddling with the radio, or even talking to passengers can all take your attention away from the road. Texting, in particular, is especially dangerous because it distracts you in three ways: visually, manually, and mentally. Before you hit the road, it is important to eliminate distractions to stay focused. Silence your notifications, set up your GPS in advance, and use hands-free devices only when absolutely necessary.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a major cause of severe and fatal crashes. Alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, and coordination, which are all essential for safe driving. Drugs, whether recreational or prescription, can have similar or even more dangerous effects. If you plan to drink, always make arrangements beforehand. You can either use a rideshare app, public transportation, or have a designated driver. Should there be no other option available, it's best to stay put until you're sober.
Speeding
Speeding is another major factor in car accidents. Whether you’re exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions, speeding reduces your ability to react quickly, increases stopping distances, and magnifies the impact of a collision. This is especially dangerous in areas with pedestrians, construction zones, or bad weather. To stay safe, always stick to the speed limit and adjust for road conditions, traffic, and visibility. Driving at a reasonable speed gives you the time to react and protect yourself and others.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Bad weather, be it rain, fog, snow, or ice, can make driving much more challenging. Slippery roads reduce traction, fog limits visibility, and high winds can make it hard to control your vehicle. Before heading out, check the weather and make adjustments. Drive slower, leave more room between you and other vehicles, and use low-beam headlights if visibility is poor. If roads are icy or snowy, consider winter tires or chains and avoid sudden movements like hard braking or sharp turns.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Failing to obey traffic signals or signs, like running red lights, rolling through stop signs, or not yielding when required, is a common cause of collisions, especially at busy intersections. These actions put everyone on the road at risk. Always follow traffic signals and approach intersections carefully. Remember to stay alert even if you have the right of way, since other drivers don't always follow the rules. Lastly, double-check for oncoming traffic or pedestrians to make sure the intersection is clear before proceeding.
Despite taking precautions, accidents can still happen—often due to someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Fort Worth, Texas, getting legal guidance is critical to recovering damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. At Mizani Law Firm, we’re here to help accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our experienced Fort Worth car wreck attorneys will guide you through the process and fight for a favorable outcome. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can support you.
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