Appleton reckless driving car accident lawyerOn Sunday, March 17th, 2019, two people were fatally injured in a car accident in Jackson, Wisconsin. The accident occurred when a 52-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle as he drove on Country Highway NN, swerved into the other lane, and collided with another vehicle. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. While investigations are ongoing, members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department believe that speed was a factor in the collision. 

Throughout the United States, speeding is one of the most common forms of reckless driving that can lead to dangerous or deadly car accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, you should contact an attorney immediately.  

Common Forms of Reckless Driving

When a person makes the negligent decision to drive recklessly, they are putting all other travelers at risk. Some of the most dangerous forms of reckless driving include: 

  • Drinking and Driving: Despite the severe criminal punishments a person can face if apprehended while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, thousands of Americans continue to make the irresponsible decision to drink and drive. Every single day, approximately 29 Americans are killed in accidents caused by drunk drivers. In all, 10, 497 people died due to the negligence of drunk drivers in 2016 alone. The signs of a drunk driver include driving at erratic speeds, swerving from lane to lane, and following other vehicles too closely. 
  • Driving at Excessive Speeds: Many collisions like the one mentioned above occur due to drivers traveling at reckless speeds. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding drivers killed 9, 717 Americans in 2017. Driving at speeds above the legal speed limit can impact a driver’s ability to come to a stop or change directions in time to avoid a collision. Traveling at excessive speeds can be especially dangerous during inclement weather such as snowfall or heavy rain. 
  • Distracted Driving: Today, distracted driving is one of the most common forms of reckless driving. Distracted driving can occur when a driver is changing the radio station or eating a meal, but the most notorious form is cell phone use. The number of fatalities caused directly by distracted driving continues to rise, in large part due to the increased use of smartphones to make phone calls, send text messages, or browse the internet. A driver who answers a text message while driving will take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel, and even a brief lapse in attention can have deadly results. 

Contact an Appleton Car Accident Lawyer 

In the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision, the first step you should take is to ensure that all passengers are safe. If there are any injuries suffered, contact medical personnel immediately. After all injured parties have been taken care of, it is time to seek out legal assistance. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our attorneys are prepared to fight for the injury compensation your family deserves. Serious collisions can cause substantial injuries and vehicular damage, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs and medical expenses. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a Green Bay personal injury attorney, contact us today at 920-739-7366. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html