What Are The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents happen every day, often resulting in injuries, financial burdens, and significant disruptions to daily life. While some crashes are unavoidable, many are caused by negligent driving behaviors that put others at risk. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help drivers make safer choices on the road. Additionally, knowing what steps to take after an accident can protect your rights and improve your chances of securing compensation if another driver is at fault.
Many different factors contribute to car accidents, but certain driving behaviors and conditions consistently lead to collisions.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of accidents, distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road. This includes texting, checking a GPS, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking to passengers. Even a brief moment of distraction can cause a crash, particularly at high speeds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2021, distracted driving was responsible for 3,522 deaths.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact in a collision. Speeding-related accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. According to the NHTSA, 29% of all fatal crashes in 2021 were linked to excessive speed. Drivers who speed not only put themselves at risk but also endanger everyone else on the road.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Alcohol and drug-impaired driving significantly reduce reaction time, coordination, and judgment, making accidents far more likely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one person dies every 45 minutes in the U.S. due to drunk driving. Driving under the influence is both a criminal offense and clear evidence of negligence in personal injury claims.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Ignoring traffic signals and signs is a leading cause of intersection accidents. Running red lights, failing to yield, or making illegal turns can result in serious side-impact collisions, often referred to as “T-bone” crashes. Because traffic violations are well-documented, they can provide strong evidence in determining fault after an accident.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving
Some drivers engage in reckless behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, excessive speeding, or road rage. These behaviors drastically increase the chances of a crash and can lead to both civil and criminal liability. Reckless drivers often ignore the safety of others, creating hazardous conditions for all road users.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Rain, fog, ice, and snow make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents. While drivers cannot control the weather, they are responsible for adjusting their speed and driving behavior accordingly. Failing to do so may result in liability if an accident occurs. In some cases, poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or defective traffic lights may contribute to a crash, potentially shifting liability to local government agencies or maintenance contractors.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, taking the right steps can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention is crucial, as some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately noticeable.
A police report is a vital piece of evidence in any car accident claim. Officers will document the scene, take statements from those involved, and determine whether traffic violations contributed to the crash. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report when it becomes available.
If it is safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect the contact and insurance information of all parties involved and speak to any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide accurate details but avoid admitting fault. Insurers will conduct their own investigation, and anything you say may be used to determine liability.
If you seek medical attention, keep all records of doctor visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and related expenses. These documents will help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the financial losses you have incurred as a result of the accident.
Dealing with insurance companies and proving liability can be complex, especially if you are recovering from injuries. A skilled personal injury attorney can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and build a strong case to ensure you receive fair compensation. An attorney can also determine if additional parties, such as a negligent road maintenance authority or a vehicle manufacturer, may share liability for the crash.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Car accident claims often involve insurance adjusters who attempt to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you may settle for less than what you deserve. An experienced attorney can assess the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
At Aronberg & Aronberg, Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation they need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to protect your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable.
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