Many Car Accidents Occur Near Home
It is common for car accidents to happen near a driver’s residence, within a five minute driver or less according to some surveys. This happens for a variety of reasons. If you or a loved one were in an accident in your neighborhood, talk to a Bucks County car accident lawyer to understand what compensation options are available.
Tired Drivers and Familiar Roads
Residential neighborhoods where individuals live mean drivers are often coming or going from their workplace or other obligations. If an individual is working a lot or has something happening at home that is causing exhaustion, mental or physical, it can be difficult for a person to pay attention. This can be particularly true in familiar surroundings, such as the streets of your own neighborhood.
Near home, drivers may have a false sense of security. Then, if they are overconfident in the familiarity of the roads, they may let fatigue take over, texting, answering a call, or changing the music and not paying attention. Driving on autopilot is not safe, drivers must stay alert on every road, new or familiar.
This can be especially true during rush hour, when drivers are trying to multitask. Returning emails to coworkers when they should be having their eyes on the road in the morning or trying to sneak in one more phone call on the ride home.
What to Do If You Were In a Local Accident
Even where we feel safe accidents are possible. If you were injured in a neighborhood car accident, there may be a way to secure compensation. It may be awkward if the at-fault driver is both a friend and neighbor, but it is important to look after your needs to heal physically and secure your future financially.
Once you know that neighborhood accidents are possible, and even likely, it is important to remind yourself to stay alert. Even if you know the roads like the back of your hand, there are other drivers, changing weather patterns, car maintenance issues, and more. When people become too comfortable, they may be less responsive.
Ways to help prevent accidents:
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When merging, move slow. Search the area for risks and check your blind spots.
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Wait for the green light. Some drivers are too quick to move when a red light changes. Take your time and move forward only after a light turns green and you have assessed the situation.
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Keep distractions to a minimum. Eyes and attention on the road, not a mobile device.
An experienced Bucks County car accident lawyer can support you through the legal process, processing paperwork and taking care of court filings while victims can focus on healing physically. Because they have worked in car accident litigation for years, they understand the settlement size a person deserves and can negotiate with insurance companies until that number is met.
After a neighborhood accident, talk to an attorney at Kevin L. Hand, P.C.. Our attorneys know how to secure the maximum settlement amount possible, allowing you to pass the obligations of negotiation on to a professional. Reach out today by calling 215-968-6602.