The population of Langley is expected to double in just two decades, and being a growing area comes with big-city problems. With more people on the road, car accidents will also be on the rise. In just five years, our area of British Columbia experienced a 42 percent increase in speeding accidents, according to an ICBC report.
While 200 Street and Highway 1 are home to a majority of car crashes, our roads and vehicles have not changed drastically. Instead, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police report the biggest factor is inattentive driving.
With more drivers on the road, there is a higher risk of serious injury accidents. It is important to know the hazards you face and the rights you have after car crashes.
Understanding Causes of Car Accidents
Studies from the U.K. and the U.S. show that about 90 percent of car collisions are due to human error. So, while road conditions can be poor or car parts can be defective at times, drivers bear responsibility for the majority of accidents.
Some of the most commonly reported causes of car accidents include:
Impaired Drivers
Despite advertisements and warnings against driving while under the influence, the danger is still present. Alcohol and drugs impair drivers’ judgments, abilities, and reactions. Driving sober is essential to driving safely.
Distracted Drivers
Drivers who text, put on makeup, adjust car settings, or engage in other activities that take away attention from the road are a danger to themselves and others. If there is an urgent matter, drivers should pull over and take care of it, rather than risk a crash.
Fatigued Drivers
Fatigued driving is not just falling asleep behind the wheel. Driving requires attention to minute details like road sign colours, small movements of other vehicles, and more. If a driver is struggling to stay awake, he or she needs to reconsider getting behind the wheel.
Speeding Drivers
Speed limits exist for a reason, and violating them makes a speeding driver a hazard to others. In 2017, 30 people died from speeding crashes in the Lower Mainland.
Reckless Drivers
Driving without caution or care is wrong and risky. Running red lights or tailgating can easily cause catastrophic collisions. And driving aggressively can lead to tragic accidents, where cars are not just damaged, but people can be severely hurt.
Inexperienced Drivers
Being behind the wheel requires judgment and perception that comes with age and experience. Young drivers lack this experience and age but can drive safely with attention and instruction. Nevertheless, inexperienced drivers can cause accidents from errors or miscalculations on the road.
How Can Klein Lawyers Help Me?
If you have been injured in a car accident due to driver negligence or recklessness, our Vancouver car accident lawyers will fight for the ICBC settlement or court award you deserve.
ICBC claims adjusters will not work to ensure you know your rights or the compensation you truly deserve. The team at Klein Lawyers is experienced in investigating car accidents to determine their cause, and we stand ready to help you.
Call us at (604) 874 7171 for a free consultation about your personal injury car accident claim today.
