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    4 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia

    With incidents like car accidents in Philadelphia, it is easy to forget their severity because of how frequent they occur. Nevertheless, being involved in one is never a good experience, especially with the number of fatalities recorded periodically. While some causes occur by chance, others are a result of sheer negligence.

    There are common factors surrounding car accidents in Philadelphia. In the case that you are looking at it from a legal angle, Philadelphia injury lawyers are the most viable authority. Based on that, this article will shed some light on some of these factors, as well as the legalities involved. With that in mind, here are the four most common causes of car accidents in Philadelphia.

    Speeding

    Even across state lines, speeding is a common cause of motor accidents. Likewise, a sizable percentage of fatal car crashes in Philadelphia are a result of high speed. You would think that this was just limited to major highways and freeways, but the rural routes experience their fair share. Being well-acquainted with certain routes is often used as an excuse to drive above the speed limit or disregard the road conditions.

    Remember, different environmental factors call for different speeds. So, driving at the maximum speed limit on a rainy day may result in an auto crash. Besides the evident consequence of bodily harm and even death, there are legal ramifications of speeding. In some cases, it comes in the form of a fine. Depending on the offense, the end result is a license suspension or both. 

    In turn, this nearly always leads to an increase in car insurance premiums. Altogether, it is a lose-lose situation for the person behind the wheel.

    Distractions While Driving

    It may look effortless, but every driver will tell you that it takes maximum concentration to stay on the road. Glancing away from the road for a split second could cause an auto crash of unspeakable magnitudes. Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of car accidents in Philadelphia comes in the form of distractions.

    This includes anything that captures the driver’s attention while they are in ongoing traffic. In some cases, it could be talking to passengers while driving. Undeniably, it is difficult not to talk to passengers while driving, especially if they aren’t strangers. But getting too carried away is enough of a reason to crash. 

    Sometimes, the conversations are over the phone. This is where it gets a bit tricky. Research shows that the possibility of crashing is four times higher when speaking on a cell phone. Nevertheless, speaking over the PA is still legal in Pennsylvania as a whole. Regardless, if the person behind the wheel was texting while driving, the law could work against them.

    Driving While Intoxicated

    Whether the culprit is alcohol or drugs, being intoxicated never mixes well with driving. Altogether, driving while intoxicated weakens inhibitions and delays response time to the bare minimum. Even more, it impairs the basic functions needed to concentrate on the road, such as vision and concentration. Considering the sheer amount of focus it takes to drive, it is not ideal in any setting. 

    Data from the CDC shows that 10,497 people died in alcohol-related accidents in 2016. Regardless of the time period, this is a high number considering the fact that driving under the influence is avoidable. With this in mind, it is no surprise that the penalties for DUI in Philadelphia are on the severe side. The punishment can range from long-term license suspension to pricey fines and even jail sentences.

    Driving While Drowsy

    Driving while drowsy is a shadow killer as it is commonly overlooked as a cause of auto crashes. Nevertheless, the combination of daily stress and long commutes can lead to fatal accidents. In some cases, drowsy driving has been compared to driving under the influence. One identifiable difference is the fact that more drivers comfortably get on the road while tired. 

    With no stigma following it, nodding off to sleep at the wheel is technically not considered a crime. Nevertheless, if an individual falls asleep and causes a fatality, they can be charged for negligence or manslaughter.

    Let Us Assist You With Your Claim

    Getting the short end of the stick as a result of an auto crash can be overwhelming. Besides navigating your treatment and care, trying to answer the questions ‘what happened?’ and ‘why?’ is intense. Once you are involved in an auto crash in Philadelphia, automatically, car accident laws are applicable. 

    Under these laws, you may be entitled to some compensation from the at-fault party. That is where good representation comes into play. We can arrange a meeting with you and assess the situation from a legal standpoint. With us, you can rest assured that you are working with expert Philadelphia injury lawyers who aim to spur the best results.

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