Car crashes are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the US. They may result from driver error, poor road design or vehicle defects beyond a driver’s control; often leading to horrific tragedies like fatalities.
Understanding the causes of car accidents is vital to helping prevent them, here are five common ones:
1. Driver Error
Car accidents have many causes, but one factor that often plays into them is driver error. This encompasses everything from inattentive driving to poor decision-making and more.
Common driver mistakes include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving and reckless driving – which are not only hazardous but can be fatal.
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from driving, such as talking on the phone, texting or eating food while operating their vehicle. Many drivers also disregard speed limit laws – exceeding by just 10, 20, or 30mph can often result in accidents.
2. Vehicle Defect
Mechanical failures that contribute to car accidents include unexpected windshield wiper failure, tire blowouts, airbag deployment without warning and seat belt breakages during a crash. When such failures lead to car accidents, manufacturers often face liability claims.
Unfortunately, many drivers remain unaware that the vehicle they drive contains defects. These flaws could have occurred at any stage in its production – from design through to retail sales – making a Morgan & Morgan attorney invaluable when filing product liability or car accident injury claims against third parties. We can advise which party would best represent your claim and which types of car accident injury claims might apply in each instance.
3. Weather
Weather conditions, including rain, snow, high winds and fog can seriously impair one’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Even experienced drivers could find themselves involved in an accident when weather is poor.
According to data provided by the Department of Transportation (DOT), an estimated annual death toll from weather-related car accidents exceeds that of natural disasters by more than 15 times.
Most weather-related crashes take place during wet pavement and rainfall due to slippery roads becoming even more slippery due to rainfall, impairing drivers’ visibility and leading to car accidents as drivers fail to brake in time or hydroplane. Other sources can also contribute like strong winds blowing debris onto roadways or inclement weather that causes ice formation on them.
4. Road Design
Many car accidents occur as a result of dangerous and poor road conditions, often brought about by improperly designed roadways, construction defects or maintenance issues.
Shocking drop-offs can lead to cars losing control and rolling off of roads, and inadequate lane markings and sloping shoulders can prompt drivers to veer into oncoming traffic unexpectedly, potentially leading to serious collisions.
When your car accident was due to poor roadway design, an experienced NYC car accident lawyer can help you take legal action against the city, state or company responsible. Unfortunately, filing suit against governments often has strict rules and limited time frames attached; so it is crucial that you contact one immediately.
5. Vehicle Maintenance
Even the safest, most defensive drivers can become victims of car accidents for reasons unrelated to their driving skills.
These factors include road conditions, weather and vehicle maintenance issues. Wet roads create slippery surfaces which prevent drivers from stopping quickly enough in an emergency if necessary; fog impedes visibility making it harder for them to see other vehicles or pedestrians in time to avoid potential dangers.
No one car accident can be predicted or avoided completely, but we can certainly reduce their number by following some simple rules. Drivers should wear their seatbelts at all times while remaining focused on the road at all times – without being distracted by manual distractions like phones or food while driving or cognitive distractions like daydreaming or listening to music while behind the wheel.
