Driving is a huge part of our everyday lives. Most of us spend enough time behind the wheel of a car that it can be easy to forget just how dangerous driving can be. There are thousands of people killed and injured in car accidents across the United States, and common traffic violations trigger a large number of those accidents. If you have been involved in a car accident and believe that the other driver is at fault, whether because of a traffic violation or any other factor, you need to consult a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville to set the ball rolling on a personal injury claim.

Let's examine some of the most common traffic violations that frequently result in car accidents.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of car accidents that we encounter as a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville is distracted driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention to the road can have catastrophic consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 3,000 deaths in 2021 were attributed to distracted driving, accounting for 8% of all fatal crashes. Distracted driving is a catch-all term that accounts for a variety of different situations that draw the driver's attention away from the road ahead. Phones are the biggest culprit, but other distractions include adjusting a GPS device, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, and even talking to passengers! Drivers must always keep their attention on the road and their hands on the steering wheel! Younger drivers, particularly those aged 16-24, are more prone to distractions while behind the wheel. Raising awareness and enforcing laws are key to reducing these incidents.

Running a Red Light or Stop Sign

It can be alarming how many drivers have a tendency to take traffic signs and other signals as suggestions rather than definitive rules! Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign are some of the most common violations that result in an accident, especially at intersections. When drivers proceed through an intersection without stopping or making sure the road is clear, they are likely to collide with other vehicles who assume they have the right of way and are not expecting another car to enter the intersection. T-bone collisions are among the most common collisions in situations where a driver disobeys a traffic signal or road sign. Approximately 56% of U.S. drivers admit to running red lights at least occasionally, according to a 2021 survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Running red lights is a major cause of accidents at intersections, leading to hundreds of fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries annually. Despite the known dangers, many drivers still engage in this risky behavior, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to reduce such violations. It is common for a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville to use CCTV footage from red light cameras to prove that the defendant was at fault in order to secure compensation for the injured party.

Speeding

Speed limits are posted for the safety of all road users, but that doesn't stop many drivers from breaking them. Unfortunately, when traveling at a higher speed, you will have less time to react to hazards that emerge in your path, and your vehicle will take longer to reach a complete stop when the brakes are applied. Driving too fast also makes it much more likely that you will lose control when negotiating turns or curves in the road, especially when the road conditions are wet or icy. When a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville is gathering evidence as part of a personal injury lawsuit, they will first look at the speed at which each vehicle was traveling, the posted speed limit for the road, and the road conditions. In some cases, both drivers are seen to be speeding, and it is necessary to turn to other factors to determine the fault.

Tailgating

Tailgating is a widespread problem in the U.S. In a 2022 survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 51% of American drivers admitted to tailgating or driving too closely behind another vehicle. This aggressive driving behavior significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions and is a leading cause of accidents, especially on highways. Tailgating is often a response to frustration, but it can have dangerous consequences if the lead vehicle stops suddenly.

Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) impairs critical skills needed for safe driving, such as judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Alcohol and drugs, even in small amounts, affect a driver's ability to focus, make decisions, and control the vehicle. Impaired drivers may misjudge distances, fail to notice traffic signals, and react more slowly to hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents. In 2021, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 31% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., highlighting the severe risks of driving while under the influence. Prevention efforts and strict DUI laws are essential for reducing these incidents.

In conclusion, traffic violations like distracted driving, running red lights, speeding, tailgating, and driving under the influence are common causes of car accidents that lead to severe injuries and fatalities. These behaviors increase risks on the road for all drivers. If you've been involved in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, consulting with a car accident injury lawyer in Knoxville is crucial. They can help you gather evidence, determine fault, and pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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