U.S. Route 62 in Arkansas Car Accident Lawyer
Sometimes a road trip is all a driver needs to relieve stress, tension, and any other worries he or she may have about life. For many people living in northwest Arkansas, what better road to take than U.S. Route 62 to experience its beautiful, scenic view . Route 62 covers 329.9 miles of the mountainous Arkansas landscape connecting the states Oklahoma and Missouri.
Traveling along U.S. 62 can permit a driver and his passengers to stop and visit in the historic, quaint towns in northwest Arkansas. Harrison, Mountain Home, Bentonville, and Piggot are all some popular small towns along this route, however they are not the only destinations. Fayetteville, for instance, is named after the famous Marquis de Lafayette who had close ties to George Washington and many of the founding fathers. Furthermore, located in Washington County, Fayetteville is also the home to the University of Arkansas. While Route 62 is replete with beautiful scenery and rich history, there have been a number of unfortunate events and tragic accidents that have occurred on this stretch of highway. It is important to enjoy yourself when traveling, but it is even more important to stay safe by avoiding preventable accident risks.
Fatigued Driving Increases the Risk of Accidents and Injury
Despite our understanding of how significantly the effects of fatigue can impact an individual’s decision-making process and reaction times, people still drive at high speeds on highways when they are fatigued. Despite the obvious and likely repercussions of fatigued driving, people still seem comfortable denying, ignoring, or dissembling regarding the presence of signs of fatigue. Instead of resting until they can driver safely, they simply grab an energy drink and keep on driving.
In January 2015, a 40 year old woman was traveling with her husband southbound on US 62 in her SUV. While driving on Route 62, she lost control and hit a pole in the median, instantly killing her and injuring her husband. The husband was not able to recollect the incident, and it was unclear as to why the vehicle spun out of control. In fact, there was no obvious cause for the driver’s inability to maintain control of the vehicle. However, reports indicate that the women did not receive enough sleep the night prior. Investigators believe that she may have momentarily dozed off while driving resulting in the loss of vehicle control and subsequent fatal crash.
Use of Alcohol & Illegal Drugs can Increase One’s Risk of an Accident
Driving while tried is not the only reason why an accident may occur. Drunk driving is an tragic epidemic occurring all too often. Like most highways, Route 62 unfortunately has its own DUI tragedies. In one recent incident a 35 year old man was charged with a DUI and a hit and run after hitting a 17 year old boy and fleeing the scene. Police officers found the man in a convenience store parking lot where he denied the accusations. Luckily they were able to match a missing left side mirror from the man’s truck with one that was left behind at the accident scene. While police were able to piece together matters in this case, there are many hit and runs where the driver eludes the police. An experienced lawyer can be necessary in cases of this type because your insurance company may balk at your request to cover the damages from the accident.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arkansas
There are many factors that may contribute to an accident. Some of the more commonly reported factors contributing to a crash include:
- Texting and Driving – A distracted driver is a driver who can not perceive or react to roadway hazards. Texting while driving is one of the more common forms of distracted driving. Distracted driving can also occur due to bickering children or when the driver adjusts the radio.
- Speeding – The posted speed limit is the maximum safe travel speed for that stretch of roadway. When weather conditions are poor, a driver must slow down and modify his or her driving so that it is safe for the conditions.
- Aggressive driving – Aggressive drivers take sudden, unpredictable actions that takes other drivers by surprise. Erratic lane changes, extreme variations in speed, and tailgating are but a few examples of aggressive driving.
- Poor road or weather conditions – Rain, sleet, fog, snow, and hail can all reduce a driver’s visibility while increasing the amount of time it takes for a car or truck to come to a stop. Driver’s must adjust to changing driving conditions.
No matter how many precautions a driver may take, the negligent or reckless actions of another motorist may make an accident inevitable. If you have had the unfortunate experience of being the victim of a careless or reckless driver, Ken Kieklak can fight for you.
Rely on Arkansas Car Accident Lawyer Ken Kieklak
Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law understands the difficulties one can face following a serious motor vehicle accident. Our firm is experienced in addressing many of the problems experienced by the victims of a serious motor vehicle accident. While past results do not guarantee future success, Ken Kieklak has helped people obtain compensation for their medical attention and life-altering injuries for more than 20 years. To schedule your free and confidential legal consultation, call us at (479) 316-0438 or contact us online.