Serious and life-threatening injuries can occur when a vehicle runs off a roadway.
A run-off-road car accident happens when a vehicle is maneuvered, drifts, or leaves the roadway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines run-off-road accidents as a single-vehicle accident in which the first harmful action or event occurs off the roadway. These accidents potentially can be a serious accident, as the vehicle tends to roll over after drifting off the road. In such cases, it often leads to total vehicle damage and serious injuries and even death.
Common Causes of Run-Off-Road Car Accidents
The run-off-road car accidents are dangerous because of the fact that a large number of these crashes cause the vehicle to roll over. In the early 2000s, run-off-road car accidents accounted for over 20 percent of all crashes and more than 40 percent of all deaths. According to statistics, these types of accidents have a higher fatality rate compared to all other crashes.
According to NHTSA, the most common cause of run-off-the-road accidents is excessive speed. At high speeds, a driver may fail to keep his or her vehicle under control, especially around curves. There are other multiple reasons that can lead to run-off-road car accidents:
- Excessive speed.
- Driver intoxication or drowsiness.
- Loss of vehicle control because of an icy or wet roadway.
- Swerving or evasive maneuvering.
- Distracted driving caused by texting and driving.
- Vehicle failure caused by a blown tire or steering failure.
Avoiding Run-Off-Road Car Accidents
- Observe the speed limit.
- Be aware of road hazards and use your judgment about how to best react to them.
- Ensure that your car is in good working condition.
- Avoid distractions such as texting and driving.
- Do not drive when you are fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Car Accident Attorneys in St. Louis
If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242. You should be aware of your legal rights to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.