Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are several common causes of car accidents, but one common factor is driver error. Whether following too closely, exceeding the speed limit, or failing to obey traffic control devices, negligent driving can lead to an accident and injury to both drivers. Distractions are also a major contributor to car accidents. Distractions can include texting, reading, changing the radio station, or other activities inside or outside the vehicle.

Property damage is a common result of car accidents. Property damage can include damage to the vehicle or personal property. In some states, car owners can recover the full value of the car damaged in an accident. There are also non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. These can include loss of enjoyment or ability to do everyday tasks, emotional distress, or mental anguish. In rare cases, punitive damages are also available.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Even minor injuries can quickly develop into serious conditions. You’ll need to file a no-fault claim within thirty days and a notice of claim against a government agency within ninety days. Then, contact a car accident lawyer to pursue your rights.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of vehicle crashes. Studies have shown that it is responsible for one in every ten fatal accidents. In addition to cell phone use, distracted drivers are more likely to make mistakes and get into accidents. It is your legal responsibility to stay safe while driving. There are numerous ways to prevent distracted driving, including avoiding texting and using cell phones.

Distracted driving laws have been enacted in many states. Most ban cell phone use while driving, while nine have adopted hands-free laws. These laws consider new technologies and state when a driver can use an electronic device. Despite these laws, talking on the phone while driving is still illegal. 

Tire blowouts

Tire blowouts are common car accidents that can result in serious injuries or fatalities. When a tire blows out, it can cause a small vehicle accident or a catastrophic pile-up involving several vehicles. For example, if an 18-wheeler has a tire blowout, it can lead to multiple vehicle pile-ups, resulting in multiple injuries and even fatalities.

Drunk driving

Car accidents caused by drunk drivers are the deadliest type. Drunk drivers cannot make good judgment calls or react to other drivers, so they can’t drive safely. They may even be drowsy at the wheel, which makes it more difficult to avoid collisions. Alcohol also decreases the driver’s reaction time and ability to read traffic signs. In addition, drunk drivers cannot accurately judge distances and speed. As a result, they are more likely to hit other cars and pedestrians.

Unknown or unspecified reasons

When a crash happens, investigators may not have all the evidence they need to determine the cause of the accident. For example, a car could have struck a deer or another animal, or there may be no visible evidence at the accident scene to indicate the exact cause of the damage. In these instances, officials may list the accident as “unknown or unspecified” as the cause.

Speeding

Car accidents caused by speeding have devastating consequences for the people involved. At least half of all licensed drivers admit to exceeding the speed limit at least once during their careers. Speeding also aggravates injuries in a crash and results in significant financial losses. According to a recent National Highway Transportation Safety Administration study, drivers speed for various reasons.

Keeping a safe distance from other cars

Car accidents often occur because drivers don’t leave themselves enough time to react to an oncoming vehicle. Keeping a safe distance from other cars can prevent this from happening. One way to keep a safe distance from other cars is to measure the distance between your car and the car in front of you. This measurement is easy to find: pick a tree or overhead road sign and time how long it takes you to get to it after the other car passes. Then increase your following distance accordingly.

Heavy rain

Heavy rain can dramatically increase the risk of car accidents. It can also decrease visibility by increasing water pooling on the road. This can lead to a dangerous condition called hydroplaning. While rain and snow-related fatalities are most common in the upper Midwest and Northern Rockies, light rain increases the risk of car accidents throughout the country.