Common Causes of Accidents During the Morning Commute
If you have been injured in a rush hour traffic accident, or a crash at any other time of the day, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The Washington car accident lawyers at Schauermann Thayer can lead the fight as you take on the insurance company to get a fair settlement check.
While traveling on the roads at any time of day can be dangerous, there are some specific risks that are inherent to driving during rush hour. Motorists may not be as sharp, and some may have their own agenda that can endanger you. The risks of driving during morning rush hour are completely different than being on the road during other times, when the highways may be less congested.
Schedule a free case evaluation with the car accident attorneys at Schauermann Thayer at your first possible opportunity. Waiting too long to make this call to a car accident lawyer can imperil your legal case.
Traffic Is Getting Far Worse During Morning Rush Hour
Rush hour traffic across the country has gotten far worse as the roadways return closer to their pre-pandemic state. For example, in Portland, the average rush hour speed on a highway is 31 miles per hour. There is often heavy congestion and stop-and-go traffic on the roadways.
Believe it or not, statistics show that the morning rush hour actually has fewer crashes than the afternoon busy period and the weekends. Nevertheless, there are risks that are present in the morning rush hour that can still make this time period dangerous for motorists and their passengers. Here are some common causes of accidents during the morning commute to work.
Distracted Driving
Some drivers may try to catch up on things or get an early start to their workday when they are behind the wheel. They may start sending morning texts or emails to co-workers or clients. Alternatively, they may eat breakfast or tend to their physical appearance when they are driving. Either way, drivers need to be aware of traffic around them on the road. Even taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds greatly raises the risk of a serious accident. Once a driver takes their focus from the road, even if it is momentarily, it can take up to thirty seconds to refocus their attention.
Sun Glare
The sun is often at its most intense in the morning, shortly after sunrise. When the sun gets in a driver’s eyes, they may be momentarily blinded. Drivers who are not wearing sunglasses, and even some who are, may have patchy vision for an extended period of time when their eyes have been directly exposed to the sun. Motorists may not be able to see traffic signs or other drivers around them on the road.
Fatigued Driving
Motorists may not have gotten the proper amount of sleep before they got on the road to get to work. The average person needs seven to nine hours of sleep each night to be rested and effective the next day. If a driver does not get enough sleep, their reflexes will not be as sharp, and their judgment may be impaired. Sound reflexes are a must when there is stop-and-go traffic on the road. They are especially critical when a driver must be alert to the traffic in front of them and be prepared to stop short when cars slow down in front of them.
Speeding
While you may think that speeding may not be possible when traffic is moving more slowly, a driver can even speed when they are going below the speed limit. Remember that the speed limit is the maximum speed, and you are limited to what is reasonable under the circumstances. Heavy rush hour traffic does not mean that there are drivers who are not going too fast. Speeding increases the risk of a serious car accident by depriving the motorist of the chance to stop in time to avoid an accident and by causing them to lose control of their car.
Reckless Driving
In a hurry to get to work, drivers may take dangerous gambles behind the wheel. Two of the most dangerous reckless driving practices in rush hour are following too closely behind a vehicle in front of you and weaving in and out of lanes to move faster. Excessive tailgating raises the chances of a serious rear-end car accident. Whiplash injuries can be even more severe when the crash occurs at a lower speed. Dangerous lane changes can cause sideswipe accidents and multi-car pile ups.
If you have been injured during your morning commute by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. First, you would need to prove that someone else’s negligence was to blame for the crash. A car accident lawyer would go to work to investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence that could prove liability. Then, they would make it their mission to get you full and fair financial compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Washington Car Accident Attorney Today
Give yourself the best possible chance at obtaining significant financial compensation for your motorcycle and car crash injuries by reaching out to the car accident law firm of Schauermann Thayer. We offer free consultations to prospective clients, and you can schedule one by calling us today at 360-818-2725. There is no fee to you unless you win your case.
