Something that most people have said at least once or twice in their lives is the phrase: “drive safely.” The fact is, car accidents result in significant damages, injuries and costs. In many cases, they even result in the loss of lives.
There are thousands of car accidents in the Washington DC area each year. While some are minor and don’t result in serious injuries, there are others that can have devastating and long-term effects on you and everyone else who was involved. Getting to know the facts about what causes accidents and what can be done to prevent them is beneficial for all drivers on the road.
What Causes Car Accidents?
In an interview with “Bethesda Magazine,” a detective stated that in 99 percent of the car accident cases he investigated, the accident could have been prevented if someone had just done something differently. According to experts, there are always precautions that can be taken to protect your own life, as well as the lives and property of other people on the road.
When Washington DC Detectives Get Involved with Car Accidents
When fatal accidents occur, the county collision detectives will get involved. It is their job to study the scene where the collision occurred and then analyze the factors that went into it. With simulation, long hours, and other calculations, detectives can begin to understand how a crash occurred and also figure out who was to blame. They can also determine if the fault was considered a criminal action. The majority of accident investigations don’t end with the pressing of criminal charges, but not because they did not act illegally. In approximately 60 percent of the cases that are investigated, the at-fault party died during the crash.
The Role of Intoxication in Car Accidents
Intoxication is an extremely common factor in many car accidents, especially the ones that wind up being fatal. The annual rates of collisions involving teens driving under the influence are especially problematic. For a number of years, many efforts have been made to stop this trend; however, there has recently been a resurgence in teen drinking and driving. If you have teens who are driving in your family, or even kids that ride with their friends who drive, don’t put off speaking with them about intoxicated driving and the problems it presents. A passenger in a vehicle with a drunk driver is still at a severe risk, even if they aren’t the ones who are actually behind the wheel. Try to make sure that you keep your children safe and informed at all times and that they are instilled with the sense they need to make the right choices.
If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in a car accident that was the result of someone else’s negligent actions, then it is essential to hire an attorney. To learn more about what you need to do after being in a car accident, contact the attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC by calling (703) 560-0700.
Additional Reading
Understanding Virginia Car Accident Law
What Should You Do when Injured in an Emergency Vehicle Accident?
