Have you recently been injured in a car accident? This is a sad reality for thousands of people across Wichita every year. Car accidents in Wichita, like in many other cities, can occur due to a variety of factors.
Common Causes for Wichita Car Accidents
Common causes for car accidents in Wichita include:
Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents nationwide, distracted driving includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems while driving.
Speeding: Driving at speeds above the posted speed limits or too fast for road conditions can reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of accidents.
Impaired Driving: The use of illegal or prescription drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant contributor to accidents. Impaired drivers often have reduced coordination and judgment.
Reckless Driving: This includes aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights or stop signs.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make roads slippery and decrease visibility, leading to accidents.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals and signs can cause dangerous T-bone or intersection accidents.
Fatigue: Drowsy driving can impair a driver’s ability to concentrate and react quickly, leading to accidents.
Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or novice drivers may not have the skills to handle certain driving situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and poorly marked construction zones can contribute to accidents.
Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures or defects in a vehicle’s design can lead to accidents. These might include brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering problems.
Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
Animal Crossings: Wichita has a significant amount of wildlife, and collisions with animals, such as deer, can lead to accidents, especially in rural areas.
Driver Inattention: Sometimes, drivers simply lose focus on the road, whether due to daydreaming or other distractions inside the vehicle.
Do any of these sound like the cause of your recent accident? If so, you may have a personal injury claim. A lawyer can tell you for sure.
Don’t delay in beginning your personal injury case after a car accident. In Wichita, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after an injury occurs. Typically, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Kansas is two years from the date of the injury. If the injured person is a minor at the time of the injury, the two-year statute of limitations typically doesn’t begin until they turn 18. This is only one exception, and there are several others, so it’s essential to consult with an attorney. 1-800-Injured is a medical and legal referral network and we can connect you with one.