Boston Car Accident Common Causes

The Insurance Information Institute reported that traffic accident deaths increased in 2015 by roughly 7.7 percent for the first time in years. Boston in particular has a high number of accidents compared to other cities. If you have already been in a car accident, understanding the type of crash you were in can help your attorney determine who was at fault for your accident.

Detailed below are a few of the Boston car accident common causes we see most frequently:

Dangerous Roads

While most at-fault car accidents can be blamed on another driver, sometimes poorly maintained roads are the root cause. Whether construction debris, poorly marked roads, potholes, steep shoulder drop-offs, or an unmaintained road were the cause of your crash, you can seek damages if someone else was at fault.

Where it gets complicated is that depending on where the road is, it may be controlled by federal, state, or local government. Adding to the confusion, sometimes private companies are contracted to manage the upkeep. Whatever the circumstances, we can help you investigate your crash and determine just who was at fault for the conditions that led to your crash.

Drunk Driving

Years of drunk driving education has done little to discourage Americans from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in ten high school students drink and drive.

Drugged driving, including while on certain prescription drugs, is a scourge as well. Anytime perception and judgment are compromised, mistakes can be made and innocent drivers who follow the law are often the victims.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the primary Boston car accident common causes and is often blamed on cell phone use while behind the wheel. Not only is texting a common problem, with one in four people nationwide admitting to it, but some people watch YouTube videos, play apps, or post on social media while they should be watching the road. Use of cell phones while driving is restricted by Massachusetts law.

There are other forms of driver distraction, as well. Eating, applying makeup, arguing with passengers, reading the paper, or managing a pet are just a few of the distractions that have been known to cause accidents. Finding evidence of these distractions is sometimes difficult, but we have experience locating the information required.

Speeding

Greater impact force, increased stopping time, and shorter reaction times are what make speeding such a dangerous behavior. Speed limits are calculated not to frustrate drivers, but to keep everyone on the road safe. In 2014, speeding was responsible for 28 percent of all fatalities. In fact, 9,262 people died because a negligent driver was impatient or looking for a thrill.

Help from a Boston Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident, it’s imperative to have someone on your side to collect evidence and interview witnesses quickly. Massachusetts is a partial fault state, so any involved insurance companies will be trying to prove that you had a hand in the accident so that they can pay you less than you deserve—possibly nothing.

You need an experienced Boston auto crash attorney on your side who knows how to battle insurance companies and develop your case in the strongest way possible. You may have suffered not only property damage, but also injuries that require ongoing care. It’s important to pick the right legal team with the drive and experience to see your case to a successful conclusion.

Contact the Law Offices of Joel H. Schwartz today for a free consultation. Call us at 1-800-660-2270 and find out how we can help you get through the terrible time after an accident and fight for what you deserve.