Auto Accidents at Night
Most people are in the car multiple times a day, whether driving to and from work or running errands. Although driving makes life easier in many ways, it can be a dangerous activity. Millions of Americans are hurt or injured in car accidents each year. These auto accidents can result in costly expenses, including medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages.
While an auto accident can occur at any time, statistics show that the risk of a car crash increases significantly at night. Auto accidents at night leave many in Orange County, CA dealing with physical, emotional, and financial damages. Experienced attorney Sean M. Burke understands the losses associated with night time auto accidents, and he is prepared to help victims of these collisions collect just compensation for their damages.
Causes of Auto Accidents at Night
The time of day has consistently been shown to have an impact on the risk of an auto accident. According to statistics, most crashes happen after the sun has set. The specific times of day during which the risk of an auto accident is increased are 4 to 6am, 2 to 4pm, and midnight to 2am.
However, it is not just the time that increases the risk of an auto accident. Instead, it is a combination of the condition of the roads, drivers, and general environment at these times. The following factors are the most common causes of auto accidents at night:
- Driving while tired: When asked, many drivers disclose that they have driven while tired, and the NHTSA (National Traffic Highway Safety Administration) reports that nearly 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are a result of driver fatigue.
- Poor lighting, or decreased visibility: When the sun sets, it becomes much more difficult to see the road clearly. Poor lighting can interfere with depth perception, color clarity, and peripheral vision.
- Increased traffic: During the rush hour time frame (4 to 7pm during the workweek) the roads become much more congested. These busy conditions increase the risk of an accident, and can be further impacted by the setting sun.
- Greater number of drivers under the influence: Based on accident and arrest reports, there are more drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the nighttime hours, particularly between the hours of midnight and 3am.
Collecting Compensation for Damages
People who have been injured in an auto accident that has been caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another driver have a right to seek compensation for damages suffered. Attorney Sean Burke can gather the evidence that is necessary to prove liability in a car accident so that injury victims can be rewarded for their losses. Depending on the details of each case, victims may be due compensation for losses such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Us
If you have recently been injured in a car accident, it is important to work with an experienced attorney, such as Sean M. Burke. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case and find out how we can ensure that your legal rights are protected.
