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Common Causes of Car Accidents in Autumn

car accidents in autumn
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Although car accidents occur year-round, the autumn season brings unique factors that can increase the risk of collisions on the road. From rain, slippery leaves, shorter days, and solar glare, driving in autumn comes with several potential hazards. And although weather conditions do play a role in these dangers, negligent drivers also cause their share of accidents.

It’s important to remember that if you were injured in a car crash due to someone else’s carelessness, recklessness, or negligence, you might be able to pursue compensation by filing a personal injury action. The following are some of the most common causes of car accidents in autumn:                                              

Drunk Driving

Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and holiday season celebrations, many people find fall to be a great time to reconnect with friends and family. Often, alcoholic beverages may be part of these festivities — and when drivers get behind the wheel after having had too much to drink, the risk of an accident increases substantially. In addition to facing criminal charges if they are caught driving while impaired by alcohol, a drunk driver can also be held civilly liable for any serious injuries sustained by another in a car crash caused by their negligence.                                            

Distracted Driving

There are many reasons a driver might be distracted while operating a vehicle in the autumn months. Whether they are looking at the fall foliage, holiday decorations on display, or other scenery, when a driver takes their eyes off the road for even just a moment, a crash can occur. Distracted driving is a frequent cause of car accidents in the fall — and a common form of negligence giving rise to personal injury actions.               

Road Conditions

Unsafe road conditions are prevalent in autumn and can be a contributing factor leading to accidents. From leaves covering potholes to fog and rain obstructing a driver’s view, drivers must exercise more caution on the roads when the temperatures drop. While no one can be held liable for the fall weather, a municipality may be responsible for injuries caused by defects or hazards in the road if they had prior notice of the condition. A city might not be able to incur liability for falling leaves, but it may be found negligent if it failed to repair the depression that led to the accident in a timely manner.   

Drowsy Driving

As the days get shorter, people can feel more tired than usual — and drowsiness can increase around Daylight Savings time. Also referred to as “fatigued driving,” drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Lack of sleep can affect a driver’s ability to stay focused on the road, and it can slow reaction time. In the event you were hurt in a car crash due to someone else’s drowsy driving, you may be entitled to recover your damages in a personal injury lawsuit.              

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been in an autumn car accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, recklessness, or negligence, a skilled personal injury attorney can help to obtain the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at the Dearie Law Firm, P.C. are aggressive negotiators and knowledgeable litigators who are committed to ensuring every client secures the monetary recovery to which they are entitled for their injuries.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a consultation. 

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