TL;DR - Key Takeaways
- The five primary causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and driver fatigue.
- Understanding the origins of car accidents aids victims in identifying negligence and pursuing claims for their injuries.
- If you've been injured by a negligent driver, consider consulting with a car accident lawyer to understand your rights and potential recovery.
- Victims often encounter medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress following a collision attributed to avoidable actions.
- Free consultations can be arranged to discuss personal injury claims with experienced trial lawyers.
Every day across Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming, serious crashes occur when drivers make preventable mistakes. We've spent over three decades assisting victims who were not at fault, and in my over 25 years of experience as a lawyer, I've witnessed how damaging these accidents can be. Fortunately, understanding the causes of car accidents allows victims to recognize negligence and explore their legal options.
The Primary Causes of Car Accidents in the U.S.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) collects crash data nationwide, revealing common patterns. While each accident is unique, five key factors repeatedly appear in serious injury cases. These factors often lead to the majority of preventable collisions observed in our practice. Let's explore each one.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States. Activities like texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or conversing with passengers divert a driver's focus from the road. A brief, five-second glance away at 55 mph is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field blindly.
We frequently encounter distracted driving cases in our practice. In Colorado, over 15,000 distraction-related crashes were reported in recent years, as noted by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Similar numbers are seen in Washington State. These incidents involve significant collisions at intersections, rear-end crashes on highways, and pedestrian accidents in crosswalks.
When a negligent driver is texting or otherwise distracted at the time of an accident, it serves as strong evidence for a personal injury claim. Phone records, witness statements, and accident scene evidence can substantiate these claims. A car accident lawyer can request cell phone records to demonstrate device use during the incident.
Speeding
Speeding is a significant factor in car accidents nationwide. High speeds reduce a driver's reaction time and increase the severity of impacts. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speeding contributed to 29% of traffic fatalities in a recent year.
We've managed cases on highways like I-25 in Colorado, I-5 in Washington and Oregon, and I-80 in Wyoming where excessive speed magnified incidents from minor to catastrophic. When a speeding driver causes a collision, they are accountable for the damage inflicted. A car accident lawyer can establish speeding as a factor through accident reconstruction, skid mark analysis, and witness testimony.
Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol or Drugs)
Impaired driving poses a lethal threat in all states we serve. Alcohol and drugs impair reaction times, judgment, and driving capabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 32 people die every day in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
In DUI cases, we strive diligently to seek justice. The at-fault driver not only faces criminal charges but is also liable for the damage caused, covering medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. An accident injury lawyer can pursue claims against both the intoxicated driver and, at times, the establishment or individual who overserved them.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to an intoxicated driver, contact us at 866-377-3800 or schedule a free consultation at www.metierlaw.com.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, ignoring red lights, and road rage lead to numerous accidents. These drivers disregard traffic laws, endangering those around them.
Reckless driving often involves several violations concurrently. We've represented clients hit by drivers exhibiting excessive speed, tailgating, and disregarding stop signs simultaneously. Proving reckless actions strengthens your compensation case and may warrant punitive damages in certain circumstances.
Driver Fatigue
Drowsy driving receives insufficient attention, yet it's among the most perilous causes of car accidents. Fatigued drivers react slower, make poor decisions, and, in severe cases, fall asleep at the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates drowsy driving causes thousands of annual crashes.
This is common among commercial drivers exceeding legal work hours and everyday commuters who are sleep-deprived. Wyoming's extensive rural highways make fatigue-related accidents prevalent. A fatigued driver's liability extends to the consequences of their negligence.
Additional Factors Contributing to Crashes
Beyond the primary causes, other factors may contribute to crashes. Weather conditions, such as snow and ice, pose serious hazards during Colorado and Wyoming winters. Road issues, poor signs, and inadequate lighting may also contribute. Though less common, mechanical failures like brake issues or tire blowouts can lead to accidents.
It’s important to note that multiple factors may combine, such as a speeding driver in poor weather conditions while distracted by their phone. A car crash attorney investigates all contributing factors to construct a strong case.
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Negligence-Induced Crash
After an accident, prioritize medical evaluation, even if injuries are not apparent. Document everything: photograph the scene, exchange driver information, and collect witness details if feasible.
Afterward, contact a car accident lawyer before engaging with insurance companies. Agents might attempt to diminish your claim or offer a meager settlement. With extensive experience, we're equipped to counteract their strategies.
Act promptly, as each state has statutes of limitations determining the time frame for lawsuits: typically two to four years. Early engagement with a car accident lawyer protects your rights and optimizes recovery opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take immediately following a car accident?
Call 911, seek medical care, document the accident scene, exchange information, and contact a car accident lawyer promptly. Avoid admitting fault or providing recorded statements to insurers before consulting legal counsel.
How can the fault of the other driver be proven?
Use evidence like police reports, witness testimonies, traffic camera footage, phone records, and accident reconstructions. A practiced accident injury attorney will efficiently gather and present this evidence to establish blame in your case.
Is compensation possible if partial fault is attributed to me?
Yes, generally. Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming adhere to modified comparative negligence laws. As long as your fault is below 50% or 51% (state-dependent), you can recover damages reduced by your degree of fault. A car accident lawyer will clarify its relevance to your situation.
What is the potential value of my car accident case?
The value of each case varies. Factors include medical expenses, lost earnings, pain, suffering, permanent disability, among others. The root causes of the accident also factor in—accidents involving impaired or reckless driving often result in higher settlements.
Is legal representation necessary for my accident claim?
Insurance companies have legal teams protecting their interests, and you deserve equal representation. Studies indicate accident victims with lawyers receive substantially more compensation than those without.
Seek Assistance from a Reliable Car Accident Attorney
While recognizing the causes of car accidents is vital, it does not reverse the damage suffered. What matters now is holding accountable the negligent party and securing appropriate compensation. We've spent decades advocating for individuals like you in courtrooms across Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming.
You only incur attorney fees if we secure a favorable outcome. Our contingency-based approach offers accessible and committed legal representation. From dealing with insurance companies to potentially bringing your case to trial, we handle it all.
Contact Metier Law Firm at 866-377-3800 or schedule your free consultation at www.metierlaw.com.
Disclaimer: Past results mentioned should not be seen as predictive of your unique outcome since each case has different elements. This content serves informative purposes only and does not substitute for legal advice. Consult an attorney from Metier Law Firm for personalized legal guidance.
