What are the main causes of car accidents?

Some of the main causes of car accidents are intentional, such as using a smartphone while driving, driving drunk, speeding, or running a red light. Others are circumstantial, such as road or weather conditions, car malfunctions, and more.

These actions and circumstances can increase the likelihood of an accident, and they can also increase the damages that occur. Plus, many of these are illegal by law. Tickets can be issued, and penalties can occur aside from the accident itself.

Knowing the most common reasons for car accidents can help reduce accidents, costly damages, and complicated lawsuits. The main causes of car accidents include speeding, running stoplights and stop signs, distracted driving, reckless driving, drunk driving, unsafe road and weather conditions, and an unsafe vehicle.

Speeding

When drivers speed, they put others in danger and increase the likelihood that an accident will occur. Speeding is one of the main factors that contribute to car accidents, and heavy damages can occur as a result.

Running Stoplights & Stop Signs

Stoplights and stop signs are some of the most popular places for accidents due to one or both drivers running a red light or a stop sign. At major intersections, one person running a red light at top speed can put several drivers at risk and cause a severe multi-vehicle accident.

Not only can these be highly damaging, but major intersection accidents can also cause traffic jams for other drivers and may require multiple police vehicles to patrol.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has earned its top spot as a car accident cause thanks to smartphones, tablets, and other devices becoming more popular and being integrated into vehicles. Whether a person is texting, looking at social media, or even talking on the phone, driving while distracted, especially on the highway, can cause major collisions and damage.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is another common cause of car accidents. Reckless driving happens all of the time on the road. Vehicles that go at high speeds, drive aggressively, or quickly go in and out of lanes put others at risk.

Every citizen plays a role in the safety of the other people on the road and their property, and reckless driving is a clear violation of that.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving continues to be one of the top causes of car accidents in the United States. Drunk driving is defined as driving while impaired with alcohol, and your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Level measures at above .08%.

In the case of drunk driving during an accident, the person will be chemically tested and likely field tested after the accident to determine whether or not drunkenness caused the accident.

Unsafe Road & Weather Conditions

Unsafe road and weather conditions are also one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Unsafe road conditions include poorly-lit roads, lack of traffic signs, uneven roads, large potholes, and other road infrastructure issues. Unsafe weather conditions can include rain, as well as snow, ice, and other severe weather.

Even driving at night can cause many people to have trouble navigating the road, which can lead to an accident.

Unsafe Vehicle

Many times, unsafe vehicles cause a car accident. Whether it’s a malfunction of the car’s parts or a blown tire, vehicles can suddenly stop or swerve due to malfunction or breakage and cause an accident.

Vehicle issues may be due to a manufacturer error or an owner care error, and they can also be from wear and tear on an old vehicle.

What Damages Can I Collect After a Car Accident?

If you believe the other driver was at fault for most or all of the accident you were recently in, possibly due to one of the main car accident causes above, you are entitled by law to collect damages. Even if you aren’t sure if the driver was fully at fault, you can pursue legal action.

In cases of severe car accidents, you may decide to collect damages in a car accident lawsuit. There are a wide range of damages that you can collect after a car accident, including:

Vehicle damage
Damage to personal possessions
Medical expenses
Noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering
Lost wages
Wrongful death

To recover damages in a car accident lawsuit, you will need the help of a skilled car accident attorney to help you prove the negligence and fault of the other party. Car accident cases can be complex and difficult, so the guidance of a top Atlanta car accident lawyer is a must.

Contact Haug Law Group for Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been in a car accident and are considering a lawsuit to collect all of the damages you’ve incurred from the accident, Haug Law Group is here to help with your car accident case. We want to fight for you to get all of the compensation you are entitled to by law, and we will guide you on the right path toward the best result possible. Ready to talk to our team? Call us today at 1-844-428-4529 or send us a message to get your free case evaluation and start moving your case forward.