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Auto Accidents on Rural Roads

Sun 26th Feb, 2017 Personal Injury

Rural roads present unique driving conditions. Although less congested than city roads, these conditions can make car accidents on rural roads more deadly. When car accidents are caused by another’s negligence, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. For more information about auto accidents on rural roads and your legal rights, contact the Stockton, CA lawyers of McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP.

Are Rural Roads More Dangerous?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the fatality rate of car accidents on rural roads is about 2.4 times greater than in urban areas. This means that a car accident on a rural road is more likely to result in death than a car accident on a city street or freeway. Given that fatalities are higher in rural road accidents, it’s fair to say that rural roads can be more dangerous than city driving.

Car accidents on rural roads may be more dangerous for a few key reasons. Because it’s widely believed that rural roads are less traveled and less likely to be patrolled by cops, some use this as a reason to drive fast, not wear a seatbelt, or both.

Rural roads also present some unique hazards that, when overlooked, can lead to serious accidents. Some common hazards of rural roads include:

  • Animal crossings: Rural roads are often around farmland so it is not uncommon to encounter animal crossings. Wild animals, such as deer, may also present a hazard when driving on rural roads.
  • Blind bends: Rural roads are not always well marked and generally follow the natural terrain, often leading to blind bends in the road.
  • Unmarked driveways: Driveways to homes or entrances to farms may be unmarked or hidden by bushes and trees.
  • Rough road conditions: Rural roads are not maintained in the same manner as city streets and may even be unpaved.
  • Lack of lighting: Rural roads can be very dark at night because they are often unlit.

The Causes of Car Accidents on Rural Roads

Automobile accidents on rural roads may be caused by a number of factors. Driver distraction, driving too fast, poor weather conditions, drunk driving, or poor visibility are just a few factors that can cause car accidents on rural roads. Additionally, livestock or deer, depending on the area, may unexpectedly cross in front of a moving vehicle, potentially causing a serious accident.

Seek Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident on a rural road caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to contact a car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights. You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A car accident attorney will work on your behalf to recover all damages to which you’re entitled.

Contact the Lawyers of McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP

To learn more about your legal rights following an automobile accident, you’re encouraged to contact the accident lawyers of McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP.

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