Four Major Causes of Accidents in Massachusetts During Autumn

Autumn is the third season of the year and is a favorite time for many of us in New England. During the autumn season, the temperatures cool down and the leaves begin to fall. While autumn is a beautiful time of year in Massachusetts, there are many hazards that contribute to many serious motor vehicle accidents. Below is a list of four major causes of car accidents during the fall season.

Auto accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries. Understanding the dangers that can cause accidents is a good way to protect yourself and others. Sometimes accidents are unavoidable. But, you should know that if you are injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you may be able to recover money for the financial losses incurred and the pain and suffering experienced from injuries suffered in a crash. To find out if you may be entitled to compensation after a car crash, you should speak with an experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorney.

Mahaney & Pappas, LLP is a personal injury law firm that specializes in helping people injured in accidents get the money they deserve. We have nearly 50 years of combined experience in personal injury cases and know what needs to be done to make sure our clients are fully compensated. If you have questions about an accident case, feel free to contact us online or call us at (508) 879-3500. We’d be happy to answer your questions and evaluate your case.

Four Things That Contribute to Car Crashes in the Fall

The weather in the fall can be very unpredictable. When the summer weather conditions begin to change during autumn, there are many things that can create dangers on the roads and highways.  We have put together a list of four factors that we have come across over the years that have led to or contributed to car accidents and injuries. Understanding these dangers can help you drive safely and try to avoid a car crash and serious injuries.

Number One: RAIN

Rain is one weather condition that has been determined to contribute to car accidents during the fall and other seasons. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that the first ten minutes after light rain is the most dangerous. This is because rain causes the roads and highways to become very slippery. This can lead to a reduction in tire traction causing cars to skid or spin out.

Also, puddled rain on the roads can contribute to cars hydroplaning. This leads to vehicles becoming uncontrollable and can cause accidents. Rain also decreases visibility when driving. Decreased visibility can cause a driver to be unable to see other vehicles, traffic signs and pedestrians while driving. We have handled many injury cases and come across many motor vehicle crash reports where a driver was unable to see due to the rain. Driving slower and being extra cautious in the rain can help avoid an accident.

Number Two: FOLIAGE & LEAVES

Massachusetts and all of New England is known for the beautiful autumn foliage and falling leaves.  The falling leaves, however, can cause roads to become very slippery and makes it difficult for vehicles to stop in case of an emergency. This become even more dangerous when the leaves mix with the rain creating a very slick condition.

During the autumn months, many people venture out to the rural areas in Massachusetts to view the beautiful fall sites. The problem is that many drivers can become distracted when driving as they look at the beautiful scenery. Distracted driving has become one of the major causes of car accidents and injuries.  If you plan to take a ride to check out the foliage, make sure the safe operation of your car is your first concern.

Number Three: FOG

When the weather begins to cool down during autumn, fog is often created. There have been studies that have found fog to be one of the most dangerous weather conditions. In fact, foggy conditions have been found to be a top cause of large multi-vehicle pile ups.

Much like rain, the fog decreases visibility when driving. Fog can also limit a driver’s awareness of distance. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that interference with a driver’s ability to see and gauge the proper distance often leads to accidents and injuries. Drivers sometimes bunch up on the roads during foggy conditions. This is so they can see one another. But, drivers should increase their following distance when it is foggy outside. Keeping a safe distance will allow drivers to have more time and distance to safely react to hazardous conditions on the road.

Number Four: Solar Glare

When we think of solar glare, most people think of summer. But sun glare is often very bad during the autumn months. This is because the sun is naturally lower in the sky. Solar glare can blind drivers and make it very difficult to see other cars, traffic signs and pedestrians The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that drivers can become blinded by solar glare which can sometimes cause car crashes. They have also estimated that the risk of a life-threatening car crash was 16% higher during bright sunlight.

Sun glare can obstruct your windshield during sunset and sunrise hours. This makes it difficult to see. Drivers should be aware of the many tips that can help drive safely during solar glare. These include, slowing down, keeping a greater distance between your car and other vehicles on the road, wearing sunglasses and keeping your windshield clean.

Know Your Rights After Being Injured in a Crash

As stated above, regardless of how careful we drive, sometimes accidents are unavoidable. We can all drive as careful as possible, but we cannot control how others drive. If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident that was caused by a careless or negligent driver, you have the legal right in Massachusetts to seek financial compensation for your losses and injuries suffered in the crash.

Serious injuries from a car accident can result in expensive medical bills, lost wages from missing time at work and serious pain and suffering. You shouldn’t incur these losses if the accident was not your fault. You should hold the negligent driver accountable. How do you do this? You have the legal right in Massachusetts to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to seek money to compensate you for these economic and noneconomic losses.

Many times, however, even though you believe the accident was another driver’s fault, auto insurance companies often contest personal injury claims and lawsuits. Insurance companies are known for using many tactics to defend claims and lawsuits. Sometimes the auto insurance companies create complex legal issues that make it difficult for an accident victim to get the money they deserve. An experienced injury lawyer can help fight for you and your family.

Contact Our Framingham Car Accident Attorneys Today

A personal injury attorney, who regularly takes on the insurance companies and litigates accident cases, will know what steps to take and how to go about getting accident victims the compensation they deserve. There have been studies conducted that show how accident victims, who hired personal injury lawyers, received larger settlements in car accident cases. For this reason alone, anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident should seriously consider hiring an experienced attorney.