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 that the vast majority of car accidents happen close to the driver’s home.
What does that mean for Louisville drivers? It means that 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.
If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, you should contact a car accident lawyer in Louisville, as you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
Why Do Most Car Accidents Happen Close to Home?
Some drivers may be shocked to learn that most car accidents occur close to home. Oftentimes, 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 a sense of false confidence, and in turn, dangerous or negligent decisions while driving. While car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors and circumstances, the following are some of the most common contributors to car accidents that happen close to home.
Overconfidence and Muscle Memory
When a driver travels on a certain stretch of road multiple times every day, driving on that road can become almost like muscle memory – turning the wheel feels routine, and driving can feel like it requires little thought. Drivers then may daydream, begin to use their cell phone, 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. But in residential areas, roads are not equipped with traffic signals and other devices used to control the flow of traffic. Instead, drivers are left to self-regulate with occasional stop signs for assistance. This increase in traffic and decrease in 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
Tips for Safe Neighborhood Driving
Some car accidents are unfortunately 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, but to avoid needing a car accident lawyer, Louisville residents should consider taking the following precautions.
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 extremely walkable and have pedestrian access to grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment centers, and other common driving destinations.
Staying Alert and Practicing Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is remaining aware that other vehicles on the road could be dangerous. By staying alert to other vehicles and road hazards, you can ensure that you provide yourself with plenty of time to address obstacles when they arise on the road. You should take extra precaution to especially practice defensive driving on roads that feel routine to you.
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 issues with your car being damaged on the street is to utilize off-street parking where available. If you have a garage in your home that is primarily used for storage, consider cleaning it out to allow for your vehicle to be safely stored inside.
When Should You Contact a Louisville Car Accident Lawyer
You should contact a Louisville car accident lawyer as soon as you are involved in an accident. Even though accidents near your home may involve neighbors, friends, or people that you know well, an experienced attorney can assist you in more ways than you might know.
An attorney can assist you in negotiating with insurance companies (including your own) to ensure that your claim is fully paid for, in addition to helping you investigate the accident to determine who is at fault, and in gathering important documentation to support your claim. In other words, an injury attorney isn’t only your lawyer, but also your counselor and your advocate.
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 ten years. We pride ourselves on putting our clients first and aggressively advocating for our clients’ interests. If we’re able to 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 set up an appointment to discuss your prospective case.