10605 Judicial Drive, Suite A-4 | Fairfax, Virginia 22030
The Most Frequent Causes of Highway Accidents in Virginia
Auto accidents can occur on any Virginia roadway in any locale, including urban, suburban and rural areas. However, highways are more often the sites of serious or fatal accidents because vehicles are traveling at greater speeds. When using the interstates or other freeways, it’s important to appreciate the ever-present risk of accidents and their causes.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the most frequent causes of highway accidents in Virginia relate to driver error or misconduct, specifically the following:
Speeding — Drivers who exceed the posted speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions have less time to react to obstacles and have reduced control over their vehicles.
Aggressive driving — This includes tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and failing to yield the right of way. This behavior can be intimidating and create unpredictability for other drivers.
Distracted driving — Activities such as texting, talking on the phone or using entertainment systems all divert attention from the road. Even momentary lapses in attention can lead to accidents.
Impaired driving — Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, coordination and reaction times.
Fatigue —Overtired drivers may experience decreased alertness and slower reaction times. In the worst case scenario, they may fall asleep at the wheel.
Other common reasons for highway accidents are:
Weather conditions — Rain, snow, sleet and fog can cause roads to become roads slippery and/or can reduce visibility, making it more difficult for drivers to react so as to avoid collisions.
Roadway conditions — Potholes, cracks, uneven pavement and debris can cause vehicles to lose control. Inadequate road maintenance, construction activity and lack of proper signage or road markings can also contribute to accidents.
Vehicle malfunctions — In some cases, accidents can be caused by mechanical failures or defects in vehicles, such as brake failures or tire blowouts.
If you are involved in a highway accident, keep calm and take these decisive actions:
Pull your car off the road or to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident.
Exchange information with other drivers involved, including names, insurance policies and license numbers. However, do not admit fault or discuss the accident with anyone other than the police officer who responds.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident, of the damage to your vehicle and of any injuries.
Go to a hospital or trauma center for prompt attention to injuries, even if they appear minor.
Report the accident to your insurance company. Then seek counsel from an experienced automobile accident attorney.
The attorneys at Pikrallidas & Probasco represent victims of auto accidents in Virginia and Washington, D.C.. Our offices are in Fairfax, Manassas, Centreville and Front Royal. Call us at 703-267-2600 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.
10605 Judicial Drive,
Suite A-4,
Fairfax, Virginia 22030 United States of America
7290 Centreville Road,
Manassas, Virginia 20111 United States of America
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10605 Judicial Drive, Suite A-4
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Fairfax personal injury lawyers at Pikrallidas & Probasco are located in Fairfax, VA and serve clients in and around Fairfax, McLean, Oakton, Merrifield, Vienna, Annandale, Dunn Loring, Clifton, Fairfax Station, Mount Vernon, Falls Church, Reston, Chantilly, Alexandria, Centreville, Springfield, Herndon, Gainesville, Haymarket, Front Royal, Shenandoah County, Frederick County, Clarke County, Warren County, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church City and Manassas Park.
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