What supplications and Prophetic narrations (hadith) are there concerning "evil fates," and how does a Muslim protect himself from them, what are their manifestations, and do they include traffic accidents and murder?

It has been reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to seek refuge in Allah from leprosy, insanity, elephantiasis, and evil diseases. Among the reasons for protection from an evil demise such as collapse, falling from a height, drowning, burning, and sudden death are: acts of kindness, secret charity, maintaining kinship ties, honoring one's parents, helping the distressed, being benevolent to people, and doing good deeds in general. Our mother Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her, described the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, by saying: "By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. By Allah, you maintain kinship ties, speak the truth, bear the burden of the weak, give to the destitute, entertain guests, and help in times of calamity."