According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 328 traffic fatalities in Nevada in 2016, up from 326 the year before. In 2015, there were 1,334 serious injuries, up from 1,209 in 2014. According to The Schnitzer Law Firm, a personal injury law office Las Vegas, many of these accidents have common causes. Even with the many safety features installed in cars today, there are several common causes for car accidents in the United States and these causes lead to injuries and death throughout the year.
Distracted Driving
In 2009, more than 5,000 people died and almost half a million people were injured in the United States due to distracted driving. Distracted driving describes anything that takes your eyes off the road, whether it is talking on a cell phone, texting, reaching for the radio or turning to talk to a child in the backseat. Since October 2011. Using a hand-held cell phone while driving has been against the law in Nevada, yet people still use their phones behind the wheel. This has led distracted driving to lead to more accidents than impaired driving in the state over the past few years, say law office Las Vegas attorneys.
Impaired Driving
Although distracted driving is surpassing impaired driving as the cause for accidents in Nevada, people are still driving under the influence far too often. In 2016, 101 of the 328 accidents had a driver who was considered alcohol-impaired. This means that almost 70 percent of all accidents in Nevada in 2016 were related to impaired driving.
Reckless Driving
Another common cause for car accidents, according to a personal injury law firm Las Vegas, is reckless driving. This may include speeding, weaving in and out of traffic or following too closely. Aggressive driving has increased significantly over the past few years, leading to more vehicle crashes as drivers are unable to stop in time when the car in front of them stops or weaves too closely to another. Driving the speed limit, making safe lane changes and following at a safe distance are the best way to avoid reckless driving accidents.
Surprisingly, age is not a major cause of accidents in Nevada. According to NHTSA, there were only 39 accidents involving drivers under the age of 21. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to contact a personal injury law firm Las Vegas who will fight for your rights under the law. Hiring an attorney does not mean you plan to sue, but that you want to be sure your rights are protected. Contact us today to set up a no obligation appointment. We can work with insurance companies, the other driver and their attorney to help you get the compensation you are entitled to receive under the law.