Skip to content

What Are The Main Causes Of Car Accidents?

LET OUR VIRGINIA CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS HELP YOU MOVE FORWARD

Contact our firm now online or by phone at (804) 644-1400 to schedule a free accident case evaluation with our Richmond car accident attorneys.

Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they are the driver’s fault, and other times, they may be due to road conditions or car defects. This blog post will discuss the leading causes of car accidents. If you are aware of these causes, you can take steps to avoid them and keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road.

When car accidents occur, there is usually some negligence to blame. People who suffer injuries in car accidents caused by negligence have the right to pursue compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

If this has happened to you, contact a car accident lawyer at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci for a free consultation. We’ll fight to help you get the money you deserve for the suffering you’ve been forced to endure.

Car accidents occur for many different reasons, but negligence is one of the leading factors.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of traffic accidents is distracted drivers. Distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. When distracted, you lose your focus from the road, and you are more likely to get into a crash. Distracted driving accidents occur far too often and lead to severe injuries and fatalities.

Drunk Driving

Another major cause of car accidents is drunk driving. Drunk drivers may not react quickly enough to avoid a serious accident and may also make poor decisions while behind the wheel. Impaired driving can lead to a severe accident resulting in catastrophic injuries. Motor vehicles can be dangerous enough when motorists are sober, and the consequences can be horrible when they’re impaired.

drunk driving scene

Speeding

Speeding is another common factor in car accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit, they often lose control of their vehicle and end up crashing into other cars or objects on the road. Speeding is especially dangerous on curves and at intersections.

Road Conditions

Poor road conditions can also lead to car accidents, including potholes, icy roads, or heavy traffic. If you are driving in bad weather or on a hazardous road, taking extra precautions is essential and driving slowly. Always pay attention to any street signs warning of dangerous conditions.

snowy road conditions lead to a car accident

Car Defects

In some cases, car defects may cause an accident, and this could include problems with the brakes, steering, or tires. If you believe your car had a defect that caused an accident, it is crucial to contact a lawyer immediately.

Road Rage

One factor that is often overlooked when discussing car accidents is road rage. Road rage can lead drivers to do things like excessively honking their horns, flashing their lights, or cursing at other drivers. Road rage can sometimes lead to violent confrontations and serious accidents.

road rage speeding car

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a leading cause of car accidents, including driving too fast, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights. If you see someone driving recklessly, staying away from them will be vital, and calling the police.

Teenage Drivers

Young drivers are often involved in car accidents, and this is because they are inexperienced and may not know how to handle a car properly. Teenagers are also more likely to take risks while driving and are more likely to be influenced into driving dangerously by their friends.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Red lights, stop signs and other traffic signals are there for a reason – to regulate traffic and ensure everyone stays safe. When a reckless driver chooses to ignore a red light or a stop sign, that behavior often leads to a violent side-impact collision, often referred to as a T-bone accident. When other drivers try to avoid this type of accident, they often lose control of their vehicle, frequently resulting in a potentially devastating rollover accident.

Driving the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street

One-way streets keep traffic flowing in one direction. When drivers drive the wrong way on a one-way street, they often cause accidents. This is because other drivers may not expect someone to come at them from the opposite direction and may not have time to react.

one way street sign

Making Unsafe Lane Changes

When drivers make unsafe lane changes, they often cause accidents. This is because they may not pay attention to what is happening around them, and they may cut someone off or change lanes without looking.

Making Illegal U-Turns

Making illegal U-turns is another way to get into an accident. This is because it can often confuse other drivers and lead to a collision.

Drowsy Driving

Driver fatigue is another cause of car accidents. This includes falling asleep at the wheel or being so tired that you cannot focus on driving. If you feel too tired to drive, it is important to pull over and take a break.

Street Racing

Street racing is an especially frustrating problem, one that is completely preventable. This often happens when drivers are trying to show off for their friends or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Two cars racing down a street often leads to a collision.

Driving at Night

Driving at night can be dangerous, especially if you are not used to it. This is because it is harder to see things like pedestrians, animals, or other cars. If you have to drive at night, make sure that you take precautions and drive slowly.

nighttime car accident

Tailgating

Tailgating is another common cause of car accidents. This is when a driver gets too close to the car in front of them and does not give themselves enough time to stop. When drivers tailgate, it often leads to rear-end collisions that can cause severe neck and back injuries.

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, staying calm and taking steps to ensure your safety is important. If possible, you should move your car out of the way and then call the police. It is also important to get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. If anyone is injured, it is important to call an ambulance. Finally, do not admit fault for the accident and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Tips to Help You Avoid Car Accidents

There are a few things that you can do to help you avoid car accidents:

  • Make sure that you always obey the rules of the road.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react to anything that may happen.
  • Don’t drive when you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Practice defensive driving techniques and give yourself plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to contact a lawyer. Car accident attorneys can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve. They can also help you negotiate with the insurance company and make sure that your rights are protected.

Talk to a car accident lawyer with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci if you’ve suffered an injury in a crash that wasn’t your fault. Get in touch with us for a free case evaluation.

What Our Client Say:

"During an extremely emotional time you were understanding, caring, professional, and communicated clearly every step of the way."
Craig and Cassye M.
"Their trial experience is very impressive. They were willing to listen to us and asked probing questions for case preparation."
Deborah and David C.
"I always felt confident that my case was in the right hands."
Samantha P.
a woman writes on a paper tablet sitting alone at a large conference table

Contact Us Today to get your free evaluation

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.