Common Causes of Morning Commute Accidents – And How Phoenix Lawyers Help

Common Causes of Morning Commute Accidents – And How Phoenix Lawyers Help

Anyone that deals with the morning commute knows how chaotic it can be, and no one knows it better than Phoenix lawyers practicing personal injury law.

From the endless congestion on the highway to aggressive drivers and growing impatient cyclists to the distracted commuters doing everything from eating to drinking coffee to grooming – the scene is hazardous.

To avoid becoming a casualty of the morning commute, motorists in Phoenix must know the common causes of serious accidents out there so that they can do their best to avoid them or avoid creating one.

4 Common Causes of Morning Commute Accidents

1. Distracted Driving

Considering what commuters do in their car to save time and “multi-task” it should be no surprise that distracted driving is a common cause of accidents on Phoenix highways. Whether a driver is sipping on their morning coffee, eating their breakfast, or trying to apply their makeup, there are numerous ways for people to become distracted.

According to Distraction.gov, the most common distractions include texting, using a phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, and grooming.

In 2014, 3,179 people were killed because of distracted drivers in the United States. More than 431,000 were seriously injured.

2. Poor Weather Conditions

Phoenix has its share of poor weather. From severe windstorms to rain and clouds, these create hazards for the morning commute. With so many drivers in a hurry to get to work, many will not pay attention to the weather or drive cautiously when the weather is less than ideal for safe driving.

To avoid a collision, leave extra time for the morning commute when inclement weather is in the forecast. Even an extra 15 minutes could keep drivers from having to speed in bad weather. Also, when there is poor weather, a driver should slow down and proceed with caution.

3. Speeding

In the morning, drivers are in a hurry to get to work. So, it should be no surprise that numerous accidents during the morning commute are caused by those drivers that are willing to exceed the speed limit to get to work on time.

Excessive speeds in congested areas or downtown streets can lead to rear-end collisions, running a red light, striking a pedestrian, and other serious accidents. Those that choose to speed are driving recklessly. Not only will they face citations (and potentially criminal charges), but they will be considered negligent and liable for the injuries and damages they cause.

4. Drowsy Driving

Not everyone gets the recommended number of sleep hours each night. So, in the morning, it is likely that other Phoenix residents will find themselves on the road with a drowsy driver (or two).

The National Sleep Foundation states that 60 percent of adult drivers have admitted to drowsy driving in 2015. Four percent admitted to an accident because of their drowsy driving.

Sleep deprivation is a real concern in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that more than one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep. Adults should receive a minimum of seven hours per night, sleeping less than seven hours can lead to chronic conditions, but also mental distress and distraction.

How Phoenix Lawyers Help

Those injured in the morning commute because of a negligent, drowsy, or distracted driver should not have to pay for their medical costs, personal property damage, or even their lost wages. Instead, Arizona law allows the injured to hold responsible parties accountable for their negligent actions.

Phoenix lawyers offering personal injury assistance can help by filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company, negotiate a settlement, and file a lawsuit when insurance companies refuse to settle.

A lawyer works as an advocate for the injured. They help them receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, losses, and pain and suffering.

Some of the compensation a morning commute accident victim may receive includes:

  • Medical costs, including future medical treatments, surgeries, therapies, and prescriptions.
  • Lost wages, as well as any future lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
  • Property damage to their vehicle and personal property inside the vehicle.
  • Physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and mental distress.
  • Other long-term costs that you and your loved ones may encounter from your injury.

Injured in the Morning Commute? Get in Touch with the Phoenix Lawyers at Tobler Law

For those that are injured in the morning commute, explore options for compensation and hold negligent parties responsible for their actions by contacting the motor vehicle accident team at Tobler Law.

Tobler Law serves the greater Phoenix area and surrounding cities. Our team handles the insurance companies so that you can focus on your recovery, and we ensure your medical bills, lost wages, and the negligent driver pays other damages.

Our team has decades of combined experience that you can leverage today to get your maximum settlement.

Schedule a consultation with one of our Phoenix lawyers at Tobler Law today. Consultations are free, so call 480-898-9700 or ask us a question online.

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