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Car accidents occur daily, and the most common cause is driver error. Many of these errors are avoidable and can be deadly.
Some of the most common reasons for collisions include driving too fast for the conditions, running red lights, and reckless or aggressive driving. Other issues include poor weather conditions affecting visibility and road surface maintenance.
Speeding
Whether going over the speed limit, driving too fast for road conditions, or racing cars against each other, driving at unsafe speeds is one of the most common causes of vehicle collisions. It puts the driver, their passengers, and other motorists in harm’s way.
Many drivers who choose to speed do so because they’re running late for work, school, an appointment, or something else. They think pushing the limit will get them to their destination quicker and save time.
The most common cause of a collision is often attributed to factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield, highlighting the importance of responsible and attentive behavior on the road to prevent accidents
However, this strategy is often unsuccessful and can even lead to traffic snarls or a crash they would have otherwise avoided. Worse, speeding can cause injuries that are catastrophic for the driver and others. Attorneys can help car accident victims obtain total compensation for their damages if another driver is speeding.
Reckless Driving
Every year, millions of people are injured or killed in car accidents. Many of these incidents are due to reckless driving behaviors that are preventable.
Reckless driving involves disregarding traffic laws and putting the lives of other drivers in danger. It can include street racing, unsafe lane changes, and even running red lights.
One type of reckless behavior that leads to deadly collisions is tailgating. When drivers follow another vehicle too closely, it can be impossible to stop in time when the lead driver slams on their brakes.
Other examples of reckless driving involve recognition errors or ignoring traffic signals. These types of mistakes can result in head collisions, rear-end collisions, and side-impact accidents that cause severe injuries. These are all avoidable with proper attention to the road and following traffic laws.
Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals
The entire reason we have traffic lights, signs, and lane markings is to guide drivers. When drivers ignore these markers, car accidents are often the result.
Drivers that run a red light and go through an intersection while it is still red, for instance, run the risk of rear-ending the car in front of them. They may also hit a fixed object like a pole, curb, or shrubbery.
Ignoring traffic signs and signals is dangerous and can have life-altering consequences. In the event that a motorist who disregarded traffic laws causes harm to you or a loved one, a personal injury attorney can assist you in suing the motorist for damages.
Reckless Lane Changes
A driver’s duty of care requires enough space and time before changing lanes. Often, this involves ensuring they can safely merge with other vehicles or pass through an intersection with oncoming traffic. If drivers fail to perform this primary duty, they may collide with other cars or objects on the road. These collisions can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to paralysis or even traumatic brain injury.
Unsafe lane changes can also lead to rollover accidents. This occurs when a tall vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, loses control from the force of a crash and ends up on its side or roof. This type of accident can also cause severe injuries to other drivers and pedestrians and significant property damage.
Poor Weather Conditions
Car accidents are significantly influenced by the weather, especially when roads are wet, slippery, or snow-covered. Poor visibility caused by heavy rain, fog, and high winds can make driving extremely dangerous.
According to the experts, 21% of all vehicle crashes are weather-related. Over 5,000 people die each year, and more than 418,000 are injured in these types of accidents.
Rain is the leading cause of weather-related car accidents, which can occur in any season and lead to various issues, such as lack of traction, hydroplaning, and reduced visibility. When a crash occurs due to weather conditions, it can be challenging to determine the fault. Talking with a local accident lawyer is essential to decide who may be responsible for the collision and pursue compensation.