Most Car Accidents Happen Close to Home
According to a 2020 study conducted by Dolphin Technologies, an international telematics firm, more than 70 percent of all car accidents occur within the first 20 minutes of a trip, meaning most happen close to the driver’s home.
What does that mean for Louisville drivers?
You should always remain vigilant and aware of dangers on the road, even when making short trips that may seem routine.
Unfortunately, many of these car accidents that occur close to home cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers.
Understanding Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury and wrongful death in the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6 million police-reported crashes in the US in 2020, resulting in over 36,000 fatalities and 2.9 million injuries.
In Kentucky alone, there were over 130,000 crashes in 2020, leading to more than 700 fatalities and 25,000 injuries.
These staggering numbers highlight the importance of understanding the causes and consequences of car accidents.
Factors such as driver negligence, reckless driving, distracted driving, drunk driving, and poor road conditions often contribute to these incidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, seeking the advice of a qualified personal injury lawyer is crucial.
A dedicated personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Why Do Most Car Accidents Happen Close to Home?
Some drivers may be shocked to learn that most car accidents occur near home.
Often, the roads closest to home are the roads that drivers know best and that otherwise feel the safest.
However, that sense of safety can lead to an understanding of false confidence and, in turn, dangerous or negligent decisions while driving.
While various factors and circumstances can cause car accidents, the following are some of the most common contributors to car accidents close to home.
Overconfidence and Muscle Memory
When a driver travels on a certain stretch of road multiple times every day, it can become almost like muscle memory—turning the wheel feels routine, and driving can feel like it requires little thought.
Drivers may then daydream, begin using their cell phones, or otherwise stop paying close attention to the road.
When drivers stop paying attention, accidents can occur very quickly.
Traffic in Residential Areas
Sometimes, traffic in subdivisions and other residential areas can become more congested than on main highways.
However, in residential areas, roads are not equipped with traffic signals and other devices to control traffic flow.
Instead, drivers are left to self-regulate with occasional stop signs for assistance.
This increased traffic and decreased safety tools can lead to dangerous driving scenarios and accidents.
Other common causes of car accidents close to home include:
Driving under the influence
Increase in parked vehicles
Underage driving in neighborhoods
Fatigued driving
Speeding in residential areas
Vehicle Accidents and Serious Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-threatening conditions. Some common types of car accidents include:
Rear-end collisions are often caused by sudden stops or following too closely.
Head-on collisions typically result in severe injuries due to the high impact.
Side-impact collisions, or T-bone accidents, can cause significant harm, especially to passengers.
Rollover accidents are hazardous and often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Pedestrian accidents occur when a vehicle strikes a person on foot.
Bicycle accidents involve collisions between vehicles and cyclists, often leading to severe injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
The injuries sustained in these accidents can be devastating. Common serious injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive and physical abilities.
Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis.
Broken bones can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Internal injuries often require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening.
Burns can result from vehicle fires or contact with hot surfaces.
Amputations from severe accidents may lead to the loss of limbs.
Additionally, consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing a personal injury claim.
A personal injury attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Tips for Safe Neighborhood Driving
Unfortunately, some car accidents are unavoidable, but other crashes can be avoided with appropriate precautions. Our team at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers is ready to represent any victims of car accidents caused by another person’s negligence.
Still, Louisville residents should take the following precautions to avoid needing a car accident lawyer.
Driving Only When Necessary
Because car accidents are most likely to happen close to home, the easiest way to avoid the increased risk of driving is by walking when possible.
In Louisville, many neighborhoods are highly walkable and have pedestrian access to grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment centers, and other everyday driving destinations.
Staying Alert and Practicing Defensive Driving
Defensive driving involves remaining aware that other vehicles on the road could be dangerous.
By staying alert to other cars and road hazards, you can ensure that you have plenty of time to address obstacles when they arise.
You should take extra precautions to practice defensive driving on roads that feel routine.
Avoid Street Parking When Possible
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents involving parked cars on the street are all too common. The best way to avoid damaging your car on the street is to utilize off-street parking.
If your home has a garage primarily used for storage, consider cleaning it out so that your vehicle can be safely stored inside.
When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Even though accidents near your home may include neighbors, friends, or people you know well, an experienced attorney can assist you in more ways than you might know.
A personal injury lawyer can provide the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of personal injury cases.
An attorney can assist you in negotiating with insurance companies (including your own) to ensure your claim is fully paid for.
Choosing the Right Law Firm
Selecting the right law firm to represent you in a personal injury case is critical.
The right personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a law firm:
Experience:
Look for a law firm with extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, particularly those involving car accidents.
Experienced personal injury attorneys will deeply understand the legal process and can effectively advocate for your rights.
Reputation
Research the law firm’s reputation by reading client reviews and testimonials.
A firm with a strong track record of successful case outcomes and satisfied clients is more likely to provide quality representation.
Personalized Attention
Choose a law firm that offers personalized attention to your case.
Hire a personal injury lawyer who will take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor their approach to meet your needs.
Resources
Ensure the law firm has the resources to handle your case effectively.
This includes access to expert witnesses, medical professionals, and investigative tools.
Communication
Effective communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship.
Choose a law firm that keeps you informed throughout the process and is responsive to your questions and concerns.
At Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients. Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys has been assisting Louisville families for over a decade.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine the best action. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact a Louisville Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our team of car accident attorneys at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers has been assisting Louisville families for more than 15 years.
We specialize in personal injury cases, emphasizing our extensive experience and unwavering commitment to client care.
We pride ourselves on putting our clients first and aggressively advocating for our clients’ interests.
If we can take your case, we will pursue your claim to the fullest extent possible.
We offer free consultations at no risk and no commitment to prospective clients.
Contact our office today to discuss your case.
Call 502-888-8888
