Despite significant new advances in vehicle technology, including backup cameras and forward collision systems, car accidents continue to cause devastating and deadly injuries that permanently change people’s lives. Because these motor vehicle accidents are common, you should know why these accidents occur and what you can do if you are in a motor vehicle collision.
For these reasons, in this blog post, we will dive into detail, describing the reasons why these automobile accidents happen and the legal remedies you may pursue if you were in a motor vehicle crash. Contact a personal injury attorney today to learn about your legal options.
Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents Are Due to Human Error
It may be hard to believe, but human error causes almost 94 percent of all road crashes. Yet, this does not necessarily mean that those who do not know how to drive or do not drive well cause these traffic accidents. Rather, these accidents may result from a motorist who was guilty of committing:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving causes many vehicle accidents. Although most people tend to believe they can do more than one task at a time, our brains simply do not work that way. Consequently, when we text and drive, eat and drive, groom and drive, or even talk to other people in the car while driving, it results in our brain trying to switch back and forth between what we are doing, ultimately increasing the chance of a deadly crash because it cannot focus on the road.
Excessive Speeding
Even though it may seem normal, speeding is one of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents. Running late, keeping up with traffic, or even unintentionally driving over the speed limit can kill others on the road. In fact, speeding endangers everyone and kills over 9,000 people on an annual basis.
However, speeding is about more than just breaking the laws. The consequences are far-ranging and often include:
- Reduced effectiveness of protective equipment in the car.
- More significant potential for losing control of the vehicle.
- Increased stopping distance after the motorist perceives a threat.
- An advanced degree of crash severity that can result in more severe harm.
Drunk Driving
Although everyone knows that they should not drink and drive, drunk driving is still responsible for almost 29 deaths per day. Driving under the influence is often defined as the offense of operating, driving, or being in control of a motor vehicle while being impaired by drugs or alcohol to a level that leaves a motorist incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely.
Running Red Lights
Almost 40 percent of all automobile crashes occur at intersections, with one of the leading causes being a vehicle running a red light.
Although most people believe that running a red light is deliberate, in truth, many drivers run red lights because they fail to see them.
This can occur when:
- A motorist zone’s out on long trips and loses situational awareness.
- A motorist is operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- A motorist does not pay attention to the road because they instead keep their eyes on their GPS or phone.
- A motorist cannot see the red light because of its location.
Reckless Driving
In the United States, reckless driving is considered a major moving traffic violation that typically consists of operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or their personal property.
Generally, reckless driving tends to include:
- Switching lanes too quickly, especially during rush hour traffic or on the highway.
- Committing road rage.
- Tailgating.
- Drag racing.
- Driving far above the posted speed limit or speeding when the current conditions of the road are not good.
- Doing burnouts.
- Improper passing.
- Failing to signal.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents Not Due to Human Error
Even though most car accidents result because of a motorist’s errors, sometimes even the safest drivers can be injured in a crash because of other factors outside their control.
These factors typically include:
- Bad weather such as fog or slick streets
- Poor road conditions, including potholes
- Motor vehicle defects
Get the Legal Help You Need, Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
Unfortunately, every day, motor vehicle accidents injure thousands of drivers, passengers, and others on the roadway due to negligent or wrongful actions. However, if you or a loved one were harmed in one of these accidents, you should not tackle the challenging repercussions on your own. Fortunately, with an experienced car accident attorney on your side, you will not have to.
Once you retain a car accident lawyer, they can help you by:
-
Walter H. Emroch, Car Accident Attorney Evaluating your potential claim, providing you with legal advice, and explaining your legal options.
- Answering your questions and concerns and providing you with the support you need during this challenging time.
- Investigating your car accident and securing the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages.
- Holding all the at-fault parties accountable for the damages and harm you sustained.
- Obtaining experts such as accident reconstructionists, engineers, doctors, and economists to help substantiate your claims.
- Taking your case to trial, if required, and working tirelessly to bring your case to a successful resolution while fighting for maximum damages.
If an automobile collision harmed you or a family member, do not wait any longer to seek legal help. Contact an experienced car accident attorney today for your free case consultation, and let these lawyers show you how they can fight for you and your rights and pursue the damages and justice you deserve.