Many drivers in California may not know this, but rural roads can be particularly perilous. Though they see less traffic, they cause some drivers to become reckless. Rural roads come with certain inherent dangers as well.
First of all, consider the narrow lanes and shoulders that most rural roads have. These can raise the risk for head-on collisions and run-off road crashes, especially when drivers are straddling both lanes of a two-lane road and acting in other careless ways. Rural roads are also poorly lit, reducing visibility for nighttime drivers. Wildlife can be frequently found running across these roads, too.
Reckless drivers may be the greatest threat in the countryside. Meager traffic also means few police officers, and this encourages many drivers to speed and even drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Other drivers, in particular truck drivers, will neglect their seatbelts, which will only make their injuries more severe if they crash.
Crashes in rural areas are often fatal because victims may not receive medical attention in time. This is why it’s so important for drivers to be fully alert in the countryside. Defensive driving, where motorists never assume that others have their safety in mind, is the key here.
Someone who has been hurt by a reckless driver on a rural street may have a personal injury case on their hands. Even if they were partially to blame, the victim might still be eligible for some compensation. For advice and guidance with the filing of a claim, victims may hire a lawyer. The lawyer could speak on their behalf for a settlement out of court, leaving litigation as a last resort. A successful claim may cover medical bills, lost wages and more.
