What Are the Main Causes of Car Accidents?

The main causes of car accidents in the United States include distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, poor weather conditions, manufacturing defects, poor road conditions, animal crossings, and construction sites.

Distracted Driving

Although many people think of texting and driving when asked what are the main causes of car accidents, there are other forms of distracted driving as well. Calling other people on the phone, eating, reading, applying makeup, talking with other passengers, and changing the radio station are all considered forms of distraction that can lead to a serious car accident.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Any person that gets behind the wheel of a car under the influence of drugs or alcohol is likely to cause an accident that may lead to catastrophic injuries or death. All 50 states have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .08 percent, and have laws that make risky behaviors like driving drunk or driving under the influence of drugs illegal as well.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 30 people in the United States die every day due to car accidents with drivers under the influence of alcohol. Accidents involving drugs or alcohol are completely preventable, but oftentimes result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Reckless Driving

If a driver is speeding, runs through a red light, fails to stop at a stop sign, fails to signal a turn as in Florida Statutes 316.151, or fails to follow any other roadway rule or regulation, a serious and severe accident may occur. Speeding is one of the most common forms of reckless driving, and is the second most common cause of all road accidents throughout the United States.

Additionally, many fatalities are connected with speeding, as the high rate of the impact causes catastrophic damage. The faster a car travels, the more difficult it is to stop or maneuver correctly. Reckless, careless, and negligent driving accounts for many car accidents that could otherwise be prevented.

Poor Weather Conditions

While no driver can control the weather, it is critical that drivers take extra safety precautions when operating a vehicle in poor weather conditions. Failure to do so on wet, icy, or snowy roads can cause catastrophic injuries resulting from accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) says weather conditions are the cause of over a million accidents every year in the United States.

Manufacturing Defects

In some cases, a driver is not to blame for their car accident. If an investigation of a car accident determines that the accident occurred as a result of a manufacturing defect in a component of the vehicle, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the injuries, damage, and losses that result. Many accidents happen every year due to vehicle manufacturing defects. If you are injured due to a manufacturing defect, you may have the right to file a claim against the manufacturing company.

Poor Road Conditions

If roadways are poorly maintained and covered with potholes or other dangerous conditions, oftentimes car accidents may occur. While drivers should attempt to avoid poor road conditions, this is not always possible. If an investigation determines that road conditions were responsible for a car accident, it is possible that the victims may be able to sue the city, state, or local government for failing to maintain the roadways in a safe manner.

Animal Crossings

Unfortunately, 300,000 car accidents every year in the United States are related to animal crossings according to the FHWA. Large animals such as deer hitting a car on the roadway may cause substantial damage to a vehicle and also cause serious injuries. In cases where the driver of the vehicle attempts to avoid colliding with an animal, they may crash into another car on the roadway.

Construction Sites

In some cases, construction sites can be responsible for car accidents. If a construction company does not take precautions to ensure that the area around roadways are safe, drivers may collide with construction materials or even with construction workers. If you are involved in a car accident due to a construction site, you may be able to file a claim against the construction company, subcontractor, or even a government entity.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

If you were involved in a car accident, and you suffered injuries, damages, and losses, contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (855) 529-0269. We can provide a free consultation, help you determine your legal rights, and help you pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled.