Barrington Car Accident Attorneys

Drunk and Impaired Driving Accidents

Alcohol and drug use is dangerous for anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. Alcohol can affect a person's brain and limit their ability to control their body. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause a person to experience reduced reaction times, an inability to track moving objects, and difficulty maintaining control of a vehicle. These effects will get worse as a person consumes more alcohol. A driver who has been drinking may not be able to respond to a pedestrian who is crossing the road or a vehicle that slows down suddenly. They will be much more likely to lose control and cause an accident that can seriously injure other people.

Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can also affect a person's ability to drive safely. Sedatives, opioids, antihistamines, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or other substances (or combinations of substances) can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times, problems with concentration, and other effects that can lead to dangerous car accidents.

Road Rage and Aggressive Driving

On the roads in and around Barrington, aggressive behavior behind the wheel can put other people in danger. Aggressive driving may include speeding well above the speed limit, tailgating, weaving between lanes without signaling, cutting off other drivers, and running red lights or stop signs. When a driver engages in dangerous behavior and causes a crash, they may be held liable for the harm they have inflicted on others.

Road rage goes a step further than aggressive driving. It may involve intentional, hostile conduct directed at another driver. A driver may deliberately cut someone off, forcing another vehicle off the road, or purposely crash into someone. When a driver's deliberate conduct causes an accident and injuries, the person who was injured can take legal action to hold them responsible for their dangerous behavior.

Distracted Driving

In recent decades, the number of accidents involving distracted driving has increased, and the problem shows no signs of stopping. The widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices has introduced a constant source of distraction. These devices will often compete for a driver's attention when they get behind the wheel. When a driver tries to divide their attention between the road and something else, they will be much more likely to cause a car accident.

There are three categories of driving distractions that can increase the chances of collisions. A visual distraction, such as looking at a phone, will take a driver's eyes away from the road. A manual distraction, such as typing a text message, will take a driver's hands off the wheel. A cognitive distraction, such as speaking to someone on the phone, will take a driver's mind away from driving. All of these distractions can be dangerous, and some activities may include multiple types of distractions.

Smartphones and electronic devices are just one of the many distractions that may affect drivers. Eating or drinking while driving, adjusting a vehicle's radio or environmental controls, interacting with passengers, grooming, and other activities can prevent a driver from being able to see and respond to hazards or changes in traffic. Our lawyers can take steps to determine whether distracted driving was the cause of a car crash, and we will work to ensure that injury victims will be compensated for accidents caused by distracted drivers.

Other Forms of Driver Negligence

There are many other behaviors that can play a role in serious car accidents, including.

• Speeding: A driver who violates the speed limit will have less time to react to potential hazards, and they will require more time to slow down or stop. Speed-related crashes can be deadly.
• Fatigued Driving: When a person is tired or drowsy, they may experience issues such as slower reaction times, problems paying attention to the road, and difficulty controlling their vehicle. Some drivers who are fatigued may fall asleep and crash into other vehicles without any attempt to slow down or swerve.
• Improper Turns: Unsafe left turns, illegal U-turns, and failure to signal before turning can increase the risks of accidents that may injure other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.
• Driving With a Mechanical Defect: A vehicle needs to be in proper working condition to ensure that a driver can maintain control. When a person continues driving even though their vehicle has a brake problem, worn tires, or other mechanical problems, they may be held liable for accidents that occur because of their failure to keep their vehicle maintained correctly.
• Teens and Other Inexperienced Drivers: When drivers do not have the experience needed to recognize and respond to hazardous conditions on the road, they will be more likely to cause accidents.

Contact Our Barrington, Illinois Car Accident Lawyers

When a car accident has been caused by a negligent driver or someone else who failed to take the right steps to protect your safety, you can take steps to obtain compensation that will address your financial losses and other damages. The lawyers at Schwartz Injury Law can help you understand your rights and the options for recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact our Barrington motor vehicle accident attorneys at 708-888-2160 to speak with a member of our legal team in a free consultation.