Atlanta has many busy roads and highways with drivers sometimes engaging in reckless behavior. This can lead to serious or even fatal accidents like one that occurred recently on Interstate 75 in Cobb County.
The accident happened during the mid-morning hours on a Tuesday and resulted in one death. Although the investigation of the accident shut down the highway for two hours, the cause of the accident remains unknown.
Common causes of car accidents
There are many causes of automobile accidents, any of which could have played a role in the accident. Speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving or aggressive driving are common causes of serious car accidents.
In addition to violating traffic laws, speeding increases the risk of an accident and when a collision occurs, the high rate of speed often means serious or fatal injuries.
Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Using a phone, talking to a passenger, adjusting a navigation system, eating or drinking are all forms of distracted driving that can cause an accident.
Drunk driving is a criminal offense and is a factor in many Georgia car accidents. Drunk drivers put everyone else on the road in danger. Signs of distracted and drunk driving include weaving through traffic, tailgating or failing to use proper traffic signals.
While no one enjoys being stuck in traffic or dealing with rude behavior from other drivers, when this turns into aggressive driving it can result in a dangerous situation. When you encounter an aggressive driver, it is best to avoid them and let them pass you by.
If you cannot avoid an aggressive driver and are worried about an accident, consider pulling off the road to a safe place and calling the police.
Your rights after a car accident
These common causes of car accidents are examples of negligence. When you are injured by a negligent driver, you have the right to file a personal injury action. Proving negligence could result in compensation for the losses from your accident, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.