The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur at any time and can be caused by many different factors. If you were involved in a car accident, understanding what caused your accident is essential. This helps determine who should be held liable for the accident to receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Every car accident differs, requiring a unique strategy to find the cause. If you have been involved in a car accident, speaking with a seasoned car accident lawyer is in your best interest. The lawyer can assist in investigating the accident to establish liability. Let’s look at the most common causes of car accidents.
Driving Over the Speed Limit
Speed limits are there not to restrict drivers from testing their machines but to prevent road accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly around another vehicle or hazardous object and extends the stopping time. This increases the risk of car crashes with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Speeding is a significant reason for severe car accidents in the United States. According to the NHTSA, speeding drivers contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, resulting in more than 12,000 people losing their lives.
Distracted Driving
Another common reason for car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving occurs when the driver’s attention is removed from actual driving. This may include using a cellphone or GPS to navigate, fixing one’s hair, or eating while driving, among other reasons. When a driver is distracted, this significantly reduces their reaction time in an emergency leading to catastrophic accidents that would have otherwise been avoided.
Despite state laws (including New Mexico and Texas) prohibiting cell phone usage for all drivers, car accidents caused by such distracted driving still happen. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that more than 850,000 drivers in the U.S. are texting or using cell phones at any given time of the day.
If you were in a car accident involving a distracted driver, the law allows you to pursue compensation for their negligent actions.
Impaired Driving
Driving while impaired or drunk is a recipe for disaster on the road. Drugs and alcohol impair one’s motor skills, reducing their ability to react appropriately when something unexpected occurs. Drunk drivers may also exceed the speed limit, not knowing how fast they are going, which can cause car accidents. If you have been involved in an impaired driving car accident, an experienced car accident attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common reason for many car crashes. When a driver does not get enough sleep during the night and gets behind the wheel, they may fail to see other motorists and pedestrians on the road. They may even fall asleep and end up hitting oncoming traffic, leading to severe injuries and damages.
Driving while fatigued has actually been compared to drunk driving. This is because drivers often have slow reaction times, impaired judgment, and poor coordination. Law enforcement officers often stop drivers suspecting they are drunk, only to learn they were just too fatigued to drive safely.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving
Reckless and aggressive driving is another common cause of car accidents. When you tailgate or switch lanes too fast without paying attention to other vehicles, you may end up in a preventable accident. Similarly, when you block cars attempting to pass or drive aggressively, you are putting yourself and other road users in danger.
Vehicle Defects and Poor Maintenance
When a vehicle has defective parts or is poorly maintained, this can cause significant accidents on the road. It is always advisable to keep up with vehicle recalls and service your car often to avoid accidents.
Poor Road and Weather Conditions
Sometimes, car accidents can happen for reasons beyond the driver’s control. Road conditions such as potholes, debris, road surface changes, or raised obstructions can make accidents happen out of the blue, even for a careful driver. Additionally, when weather conditions make roads slippery, vehicles may lose traction and slide off the road or into other motorists. Keeping off the road in extreme weather conditions like fog, high wind speed, or snow is always best.
Have You Been Involved in a Car Accident in AZ, NM, or TX?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas, you should seek legal help immediately. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine the cause of the accident and identify the parties to hold accountable. Contact the qualified team of attorneys at the Ruhmann Law firm today at 915-910-5600 or fill out the confidential contact form.