Florin is located close to Interstate 99, making it a convenient commuting location to Sacramento. However, it is also a hotspot for car accidents that can have significant financial repercussions. When local or state governments disregard mandated signs as part of a design, they can be held liable for the accidents that result. Our Florin Car Crash Lawyer understand the complex nature of these cases and can gather evidence such as maintenance records, witness statements and expert testimony to build a strong case for compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
An experienced Florin Car Accident Lawyer can help victims recover the full extent of their losses. They are familiar with local courtrooms, know which intersections tend to produce collision disputes, and how to work with medical professionals and insurance companies.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of fatal car accidents in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drivers who use their phones are up to 23 times more likely to crash. Traffic safety experts acknowledge that statistics based on police-reported cellphone usage in fatal crashes underestimate the problem. This is because drivers don’t volunteer that they were on their phone, and there aren’t always other sources of evidence to confirm it.
A distracted driver may not notice a sudden change in road conditions or slow down in time to avoid hitting an animal crossing the road. It can also take them longer to brake, which can increase the force of a crash. Any activity that takes your hands, eyes or mind off the road is considered a distraction.
2. Excessive Speed
Excessive speed refers to driving at a rate of speed in excess of what is appropriate for the road conditions. Drivers often engage in excessive speeding for many reasons. They may feel overly confident that they can handle their vehicle at high speeds or be under pressure to arrive at their destination on time. Younger drivers can be particularly prone to speeding because they lack experience and may overestimate their abilities behind the wheel.
Operating a vehicle at excessive speeds compromises a driver’s ability to maintain control under strenuous conditions and inclement weather, increasing the chances of a collision. Higher speeds also increase the distance required to stop a vehicle and reduce the effectiveness of safety features like seatbelts and airbags in the event of a crash.
3. Driving Under the Influence
Intoxicated driving impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. This dangerous behavior causes countless accidents that put lives at risk. A skilled car accident lawyer can help a victim recover compensation for the losses caused by drunk drivers.
Drivers who run red lights or pass through stop signs increase the chances of an intersection crash. This type of reckless behavior leads to severe injuries and wrongful deaths.
Police may arrest drivers for DUI based on observed impairment, admissions, or field sobriety tests. If a suspect has been taking prescription or illegal drugs, a blood, breath, or urine test is likely to be required. These cases can be complicated as they often involve multiple state and federal regulations. A skilled lawyer understands these nuances and will build a strong case for compensation.
4. Damaged Road Surfaces
While roads are built to withstand the weight of vehicles, this constant pressure can cause the surface to weaken. Over time, these weaknesses can develop into potholes.
Hitting a pothole can damage your vehicle’s tires and suspension system or send you careening into another lane. These dangerous conditions are particularly hazardous for drivers at higher speeds.
Uneven road surfaces can also increase the distance it takes to brake, leading to rear-end collisions. This problem can be compounded if the uneven surface is hidden from view by debris or water pooling in potholes.
Visible signs of road surface damage should be addressed promptly. This can help prevent accidents, reduce the need for expensive repairs and improve driving safety. The specific nature of the road surface damage can determine whether the state, county or city is responsible for addressing it.
5. Inadequate Signage
Road accidents can be caused by many different factors. Some are attributed to driver behavior like distracted driving or excessive speed but other times they’re caused by a roadway design that makes an area unsafe for pedestrians, motorists and drivers of all types. For example, intersections that frequently experience high accident rates can become black spots where safety improvements are needed.