Car Accidents in Buffalo, Eden, Jamestown, and Dunkirk, NY

What causes car accidents?

While the term car accidents implies that such collisions are unfortunate, chance occurrences over which we have little control, most accidents could be avoided. There are four main factors that contribute to nearly all car accidents: equipment failure, faulty roadway design, negligent roadway maintenance, and driver behavior. One example of equipment failure was the Firestone tire blowouts, which resulted in a number of SUV rollover deaths. Faulty design of certain aspects of roadways such as signs, lanes, and stoplights can also contribute to motor vehicle accidents. Negligent roadway maintenance may be a factor when potholes, cracks, and other unsafe driving conditions cause car accidents. While some car accidents are caused by these three factors, for the overwhelming majority driver behavior is a primary contributor. To learn more about the causes of car accidents, contact The Law Offices of Campbell & Shelton LLP.

Liability in car accidents

In car accidents where driver behavior is the primary factor, one of the drivers involved is usually determined to be "at fault." Some of the types of behavior that contribute to car accidents are inattentiveness, falling asleep at the wheel, and aggressive driving. Inattentiveness can include being distracted by a cell phone, adjusting the car stereo, focusing on conversations with passengers, and so on. Falling asleep while driving is somewhat common, and driving when extremely tired should be avoided. Aggressive driving is the most frequent cause of car accidents. The following traffic violations constitute aggressive driving: excessive speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to signal, tailgating, failure to yield the right of way, disregarding traffic controls, and impaired driving. These actions are against the law, and those drivers that cause accidents through negligence can found liable for damages resulting from their actions. If you have questions about liability in car accidents, contact us in Eden, Dunkirk, Jamestown, or Buffalo.

Litigating car accidents

Some car accidents can be handled without the aid of an attorney. For car accidents that don't involve significant property damage or bodily injury, it may be in your best interest to handle the claim yourself. However, serious car accidents (especially those involving injuries or death) necessitate legal representation. It is important that the injured parties have qualified counsel because the outcome of the lawsuit could affect the security of one's future. It is critical to retain an attorney who understands what evidence to preserve, how to prove fault, how to deal with authorities and insurance companies, and how to calculate damages such as loss of future earnings. When hiring a lawyer to pursue your car accident case, choose someone who will give your claim the personal attention it deserves. For more information about car accidents, call The Law Offices of Campbell & Shelton, LLP, in Buffalo, Dunkirk, Jamestown and Eden.