Why do crashes happen

Road accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Often, drivers are distracted while behind the wheel, taking their focus away from the road.

In other cases, drivers can become tired after spending multiple hours at the wheel, resulting in preventable errors. Sometimes, accidents occur for a combination of reasons, from bad visibility to unsafe road design, or other drivers lack caution. While the causes of accidents can vary, the consequences are often the same, resulting in everything from vehicular and property damage to serious injuries. Distracted driving is the most common cause of road accidents in the United States, resulting in more crashes every year than speeding, drunk driving, and other major accident causes.

Distracted driving is not only the leading cause of car accidents, but it is also true for trucks. Drivers can become distracted behind the wheel for a variety of reasons.

Some of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents include using a cellphone while driving, as well as eating food or drinking from a mug or bottle while behind the wheel. More information here: What is the most common cause of collisions.

Speeding is the second most common cause of road accidents in the United States. Driving above the speed limit is a common practice for many motorists. The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to slow down in the event of an obstacle. Even a small increase in speed can result in a much higher risk of being involved in a collision or other type of accident. Drunk driving is another major cause of accidents, particularly on weekends and holidays.

When people drive after consuming alcohol, their response time and ability to focus on the road can be hugely reduced, increasing the risk of an accident. All 50 states have a. For many motorists, even a small amount of alcohol can be enough to produce a significant increase in accident risk. Drunk driving accidents are easily preventable, making it important to avoid alcohol if you need to drive or go out with a designated driver if you plan on consuming alcohol.

Speeding, changing lanes without looking, tailgating other motorists and ignoring road signs are all classic signs of reckless driving. Believe it or not, rain is one of the leading causes of road accidents in North America.

When the road becomes overly wet, cars can lose their grip on the road and slide across the road surface, reducing control for motorists and increasing the risk of an accident occurring. Sometimes, an inexperienced driver can panic in rainy weather, resulting in the loss of control of the vehicle. Getting into a road accident can be a terrifying experience. While most people know the best ways to avoid an accident, not everyone knows what to do immediately after one. This factor is big for truckers that cause car accidents.

Some of the signs of needing a rest while driving are:. For truckers especially, taking deserved breaks from driving could lower the risk of fatigue related car accidents — and save lives. Truckers at time, will try to push their own limits and tolerance by trying to stay awake — sometimes at the cost of endangering other motorists.

Contributing factors to motorcycle accidents were reported to be distracted driving motorcyclists hit by motorists using their phones drug impairment, alcohol impairment, excessive speeding, and improper turns. Drivers that not only speed — but drivers that try to beat red lights, tail-gait unnecessarily, weave through traffic and fail to yield the right of way to oncoming drivers are among some of the reported behaviors which has reportedly caused fatal accidents in Ontario.

If a loved one has suffered life-changing injuries in a car accident as a result of the negligence of an individual or company, take the time to talk to learn your rights. Our law firm understands that the terrible injuries or the sudden death of a loved one can tear a family apart and cause in-explainable grief. We understand that you will have many unanswered questions. We understand that the financial struggle for a family can take hold right away and as many find out — the true cost of a can be economically devastating.

The law and procedures surrounding wrongful death claims are very complicated. We will explain your rights and responsibilities and help you determine the best course of action for you and your family. Taking legal action may be the furthest thing from your mind, but it is vital that you educate and inform yourself of your legal options. Alternatively, you can fill out a contact form through our website and someone from our office will get back to you within 24 hours.

I call Matt my knight in shining armour. After I was struck by a car while cycling and permanently crippled, he fielded all communications with my especially difficult and downright nasty insurance adjuster. Every step of my care was a battle and I did not have the strength to fight alone. Leading Causes of Car Accidents. Home Leading Causes of Car Accidents. Was he texting and driving? Did a deer dart out in front of him? Did another car cross the center line and then flee the scene?

Investigators often never find out. Here are some common reasons for single-vehicle car accidents to know so you and your family can stay safe. Most solo car crashes are caused by some kind of driver error.

Even when another factor plays a role—such as poor weather conditions or an animal—it's up to the driver to anticipate and avoid these hazards. In the following situations, the driver is considered at fault, and won't be eligible for compensation from another source:. Don't Wreck Your Injury Claim! Free Book. There are some causes of single-car accidents that may involve another liable party.

These are often difficult cases to pursue, but could be worth it if you're seriously injured or a loved one is killed. If you've been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.