Every day that you drive, you are bound to see an accident along the way. They’re incredibly common, and if you find yourself the victim of one of them, you may be stuck with serious injuries. These injuries may take weeks or months to heal, or they may leave you with lasting impacts for a lifetime.
Understanding the most common causes for car accidents in Hillsboro is important as it can help you prevent and even avoid them. While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can stay alert and protect yourself. Take a look at what causes the most car accidents in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Distracted Driving
By far, distracted driving is the leading cause for auto accidents in Hillsboro as well as for all other states. Now that everyone owns a smartphone, this access to technology can cause a major distraction, causing drivers to take their eyes off the road to set GPS directions. Drivers are also distracted with texts and phone calls, though technology isn’t solely to blame.
Many drivers will eat, drink, adjust the music, shave, apply makeup, or get lost in conversation with their passengers. Some of these actions may seem mundane, but they all can cause enough of a distraction to cause a car crash.
Speeding
Speed limits are in place to keep everyone safe on the roadways. When a driver fails to obey the speed limit, they have less time to react when traffic stops ahead or if some kind of hazard is in the road. The faster you are traveling, the more time will be needed to come to a safe stop. If you have more people in your vehicle or have your trunk loaded with items, stopping will also take longer.
Additionally, when certain weather conditions arise, it may be unsafe to go the posted speed limit. If there is rain, fog, snow, or ice, it is important for all drivers to slow down and proceed with caution.
Intoxicated Driving
Drivers that are drunk or drugged tend to cause some of the deadliest accidents on the roads. Often, they engage in riskier driving behavior that they may not otherwise do when they are sober. Intoxicated drivers speed, run red lights, and weave in and out of traffic. When a driver gets behind the wheel, they must remember that they owe all other drivers a duty of care to be safe. Drunk or drugged driving is a negligent act that sadly has horrific consequences for the victims of these crashes.
Reckless Driving
Speeding is considered reckless driving, but there are other dangerous behaviors that cause car accidents too. Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic lanes, and disregarding traffic signals or stop signs are other actions that cause serious auto accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
Driving carefully will help you avoid many dangers on the roadways. However, even the most prudent of drivers may drive into a massive pothole. Confusing construction zones or lack of road signage can also cause car accidents. Certain entities are responsible for maintaining the conditions of the roads. When they fail to do so, they are negligent in providing safe roads for Hillsboro residents.
Defective Vehicles or Parts
Even though vehicle manufacturing processes are supposed to follow rigid protocols, many vehicles come off the line with defects. Vehicle parts can also be faulty. When a car goes in for vehicle maintenance, it is possible for it to receive a defective part. An investigation can reveal if the vehicle itself or one of its parts was not up to par.
Lack of Proper Maintenance
Every vehicle owner should take the necessary steps to make sure their cars are road ready. This requires checking tire pressure as well as having the brakes and other systems inspected at the advised intervals.
Inexperienced Drivers
New drivers, particularly teens, are excited to take to the road. They may get some experience learning to drive with their parents or a driving instructor. However, they all lack enough time behind the wheel, which can impact the decisions they may make in those crucial moments on the road.
Fatigued Driving
Tired drivers coming home from an overnight shift or traveling long distances are as dangerous as intoxicated drivers. No one should ever drive when they are lacking proper rest.
Foul Weather
Weather is one thing that is beyond your control, but you should be cautious when driving through the elements. Leave earlier to give yourself more time to arrive and drive slowly to stay safe in bad weather.
Sometimes, car accidents are unavoidable even with your best safe driving efforts. If you were hurt in a car accident caused by another driver, you should speak with a car accident lawyer in Hillsboro to find out more about your legal options and how to recover compensation.