Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Summertime is here, and everyone is outside, enjoying all that life has to offer. There are many people taking vacations, and many of them are driving. Teens are out of school and practicing their driving skills behind the wheel. While the days may be sunny and bright, there are actually more traffic-related deaths than at other times during the year. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) calls the period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day the 100 deadliest days of summer.
Spike in Common Types of Crashes
The summer months bring an increase in all types of crashes, including some of the most common causes of accidents.
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Inexperience
Speeding is a common reason for car crashes. Traveling at a higher rate of speed than the posted limit is dangerous, and a crash can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Distracted driving happens when you take your eyes off the road, your mind off driving, or your hands off the wheel. One of the most common reasons for distracted driving is texting while behind the wheel. Other distractions are eating or drinking, talking to passengers, and handling GPS devices, among others.
Personal injury Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “I was involved in a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Do I need a lawyer?”
Teen Drivers May Cause a Higher Number of Accidents
Teen drivers may be to blame for a higher proportion of accidents, particularly in the summer months. Kids are out of school, and this is the time that new drivers take to the roads to practice their newly learned skills. Unfortunately, this also means that inexperienced drivers could get into some crashes. New drivers do not have the experience necessary to avoid some accidents. They are still learning, and when they encounter new situations, they might not always make the best decisions.
Preventing Accidents
Drivers can take some precautions to prevent accidents. Defensive driving is often the most important concern. Always be aware of others on the road as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. Do not allow yourself to get distracted while you are behind the wheel. Utilize apps that prevent communication while driving or simply turn off your phone until you arrive at your destination. Teen drivers should be especially cautious and should not go out in high-traffic situations until they are ready. Parents should ensure that teen drivers follow the rules allowed in the North Carolina graduated licensing process.
What to Do if You are Involved in a Traffic Accident
There are several things you should do if you are involved in a traffic accident in North Carolina. It is best to call the police immediately from the accident site. Do not move the vehicles unless you are in an unsafe location. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. The police will secure the scene, interview drivers and witnesses, and make a report. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the other driver was negligent and caused the accident, they may owe you compensation for your damages.
If you were hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to money for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact our legal team today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to request a consultation to discuss your case.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
Official NCDMV: Teen Drivers (ncdot.gov)
NCDOT warns drivers of ’100 Deadliest Day of Summer’ | Charlotte Observer
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