Recent single-car accidents in the Chicagoland area show just how catastrophic these types of accidents can be. In Lombard, a driver lost control of her vehicle in the afternoon and crashed into a store. By Lincoln Park, a man lost control of his motor scooter and died later on at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. As their family members try to pick up the pieces after their loved one has died, many will want to contact an experienced Chicago auto accident attorney to investigate if it was a manufacturer error or other mistake that caused the serious or deadly accident.
“Time and again the statistics show that the collision that kills more of us than any other is the single-vehicle, off-the-road collision,” says Bob Schaller, an editor for RoadTrip America.
Single-vehicle crashes kill 8,000 people a year nationwide and cause many serious injuries that can take months and years to recover from. Many of these crashes are preventable. Slowing down on dangerous roads and areas you are not familiar with can lessen the chances of a crash. Staying in versus risking your life to get somewhere during or after a big winter storm also is important. Of all the single auto accidents, 70 percent are caused by veering off the road for some reason, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Beyond slowing down, driving while drowsy or under the influence of alcohol also contributes to many single car accidents. The NHTSA reports that driver attention causes close to 80 percent of all accidents. From eating, using your cellphone, to changing controls on your dashboard, it only takes three seconds to cause a serious single car accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that slow reaction times or oversteering can also cause an accident. If your vehicle begins to veer off the road, do not try to suddenly turn or slam on the brakes. It is better to let off the gas and continue on the shoulder as you slow down.
Beyond all these concerns, sometimes a single car accident is not the driver’s fault. A skilled attorney will investigate if a manufacturer is liable for errors that caused the accident, such as faulty brakes and other parts that malfunctioned. Sometimes why an accident has occurred is not evident at first, and merits taking the time to speak with an attorney about the collision.
Paul Greenberg is a Chicago personal injury lawyer and Chicago personal injury attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.
