Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents are a top cause of injury and fatality in the United States, involving hundreds of thousands of drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians annually.  These accidents involve millions and millions of dollars worth of damage and injury-related costs, and can leave a dramatic and lasting impact on the lives of those involved.  Many different conditions can cause a car accident, but a lot of them are preventable, since they are caused through the dangerous behaviors of drivers.

Reckless driving is probably the most common cause of car accidents.  It encompasses dozens of different driving behaviors in which a reckless driver completely disregards his or her own safety and the safety of others on the road.  When such blatant disregard occurs, the potential for a serious car accident is huge.  Sometimes, these accidents cause more than just physical injuries (though these are often great); they can also involve victims in huge financial expenses as well.  Car accident injuries often demand emergency and subsequent medical care and attention, and this care is never inexpensive.    This can leave car accident victims with costs that they cannot afford, and therefore are unable to pay for in order to recover from their injuries.

What Causes Car Accidents?

Dozens of different behaviors can cause dangerous car accidents, and they are often the result of negligent or careless driving on behalf of other drivers.  Even if you are a safe and careful driver, you still have to contend with unsafe drivers with whom you share the road.  In many cases, these drivers exhibit several or all of the following behaviors, which are common causes of car accidents:

• Using excessive speeds
• Following too closely
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving while intoxicated
• Driving while distracted
• Refusing to use turn signals
• Aggressive driving

There are, of course, many other causes of car accidents that do not involve driver error, such as construction negligence or roadway defects, but the majority of accidents are caused by the unsafe behaviors of other drivers.  Whatever causes your own car accident, you may be able to discuss your questions and concerns with an experienced car accident lawyer, who can help you decide what action to take from here.  In many cases, victims of car accidents, particularly those involving a reckless driver or municipal negligence, are able to qualify for financial compensation that can help them pay for their costs, both medical and otherwise.