Common Causes
Car accidents remain a serious concern. While significant advances in vehicle safety technology have been made in the last two decades, they still result in over 2.5 million injuries annually, with many requiring medical treatment. Even with improved safety measures, accidents cause significant disruptions in people’s lives, leading to medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help you avoid dangerous situations. However, if you’ve already been in a car accident, contacting a car accident lawyer may be your first step in securing compensation for your losses and injuries.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents — Driver Error
Statistics show that driver error causes most car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 95% of motor vehicle accidents are due to driver error. While everyone occasionally makes mistakes behind the wheel, these errors can lead to serious consequences. Below are the most common types of car accidents that result from driver mistakes:
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. Despite the growing awareness, distracted driving continues to be a major contributor to car accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road—whether for texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers—they put everyone at risk. Research shows that our brains cannot multitask effectively, so you're not paying attention to traffic safety when texting while driving.
Texting, eating while driving, and fiddling with the radio are just a few distractions that can lead to a car crash. To stay safe, it’s crucial to keep your attention on the road and refrain from engaging in anything that might divert your focus.
Speeding
Speeding is another significant factor in car accidents. Speeding when running late can be tempting, but doing so significantly increases your crash risk. Speeding-related accidents often lead to fatal accidents, as driving above the speed limit reduces the time you have to react to sudden changes in road conditions or traffic patterns. Car accidents caused by speeding also tend to result in more serious injuries, as the force of impact increases with higher speeds.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights is one of a driver's most dangerous actions. Ignoring a red light can result in a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian, even if you think no other cars are around. Drivers running red lights or failing to stop at a stop sign often cause accidents at intersections, which can result in fatal car accidents if not avoided.
Driver Fatigue
Driving while drowsy is another major cause of car accidents, and it is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. If you feel tired while driving, it’s important to pull over and take a break. Fatigue-related drowsy driving accidents are a serious concern, and they often result in catastrophic accidents that could have been prevented by resting beforehand.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving includes behaviors like tailgating, aggressive lane switching, and speeding. Reckless driving puts everyone at risk and can lead to dangerous accidents. A reckless driver is more likely to cause a car crash that results in injuries, as their unpredictable behavior makes it hard for others to anticipate their actions. If you’re the victim of an accident caused by reckless or aggressive driving, you may have a strong case for pursuing compensation.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous causes of car accidents, and it remains a leading factor in fatal collisions. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and maintain control of their vehicle. Alcohol slows reflexes, affects coordination, and impairs judgment, making it difficult for drivers to operate their vehicles safely. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents continue to occur at alarming rates despite awareness campaigns and stricter laws.
Accidents caused by drunk driving can have devastating consequences, leading to serious injuries or even death for those involved. Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Additionally, the at-fault driver may face criminal charges, which could lead to additional penalties beyond the civil case.
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you collect evidence and pursue a claim against the negligent driver. Your lawyer can also assist in navigating the complexities of working with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full compensation for your injuries.
Other Common Causes of Car Accidents
While most car accidents are caused by driver error, other factors also contribute to accidents. Below are some of the common causes of car accidents that are not related to human error:
Bad Weather
Weather conditions play a significant role in car accidents. Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of driving accidents. If road conditions are poor due to weather, it’s important to slow down and adjust your driving to the conditions. Car accidents in the rain or snow are more likely if drivers do not exercise caution during adverse weather.
Poorly Maintained Roads
Poor road conditions—such as uneven pavement, potholes, and a lack of proper signage—can also contribute to car accidents. Drivers may lose control of their vehicles due to road hazards and poor road conditions, especially when driving at higher speeds.
If a construction company or government agency is negligent in maintaining roads, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawyer. An experienced auto accident attorney can investigate whether road defects contributed to the accident and help you pursue justice.
Street Racing
Street racing is another dangerous cause of car accidents that has become increasingly common, particularly in urban areas. When drivers engage in illegal street races, they often ignore traffic laws, speed limits, and basic road safety rules. This reckless behavior can lead to fatal car accidents or serious injuries for those involved and innocent bystanders. The high speeds, lack of proper road safety, and aggressive maneuvers during these races drastically increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
In addition to the immediate danger posed by street racers, these accidents often lead to legal consequences. Drivers involved in street racing may face criminal charges and civil lawsuits for their actions, and victims can pursue compensation through legal action. If you've been involved in a vehicle accident caused by street racing, it’s vital to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Defective Parts or Vehicles
Sometimes, vehicle accidents occur due to defects in the vehicle or its parts. For example, faulty brakes, tire failures, or engine malfunctions can cause drivers to lose control of their cars. If a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or supplier may be held liable. A product liability attorney can help you pursue legal action against the responsible party and seek compensation for any injuries or property damage caused by the defective part or vehicle.
How to Avoid Car Accidents
Now that you understand the leading causes of car accidents, you may wonder how to reduce the risk of being involved in one. Here are some tips to help keep you safe on the road:
- Scan the road: Avoid zoning out on long drives. Constantly scan the road ahead and stay alert to the movements of other vehicles. Early detection of hazards makes it easier to react to potential dangers.
- Stay in the right lane: Many highway car crashes happen in the left lane. If you stay in the right lane unless passing, you’ll have more room to maneuver and avoid accidents.
- Keep both hands on the wheel: While many drivers develop the habit of driving with one hand, maintaining two hands on the wheel can help you react more quickly in emergencies.
- Know your vehicle’s limits: Don’t push it beyond its limits. If you’re driving a car with poor handling, don’t attempt to take sharp turns at high speeds, as this could cause you to lose control and crash.
Injured in a Car Crash? Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Dallas, Bedford, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Irving, Keller, or Southlake, don’t wait to seek legal help. A car accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact The Francis Firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options by calling 817-329-9001 or speaking with a lawyer online.