Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents

Even the most cautious drivers can be victims of car accidents. If you have been injured, you may get compensation. Here are common causes of vehicle accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving causes car accidents when drivers divert their attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions. When individuals engage in activities like texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers, their focus shifts away from crucial driving responsibilities. As a result, their reaction times slow down, making it challenging to respond to sudden hazards promptly.

Additionally, distracted drivers may fail to notice traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles, leading to dangerous situations. 

Such behaviors reduce overall situational awareness and impair the ability to make critical split-second decisions on the road. Consequently, the risk of rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, or running off the road escalates significantly, posing a serious threat to distracted drivers and innocent road users.

Auto Defects

When defects are present in crucial components such as brakes, steering systems, or tires, the driver's ability to control the vehicle may be impaired. For instance, malfunctioning brakes might lead to delayed stopping, making it difficult to avoid collisions. Similarly, faulty steering mechanisms can result in loss of control, leading to swerving or veering off the road. 

Inadequate tire quality or manufacturing flaws could lead to blowouts or reduced traction, increasing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, defects in safety features like airbags or seat belts may reduce their effectiveness during a collision.

Speeding

When a vehicle travels at high speeds, it requires a longer distance to come to a stop. Consequently, if a sudden obstacle or a vehicle in front breaks suddenly, the speeding driver may be unable to halt in time, leading to a collision.

In addition, higher speeds reduce the driver's field of vision, making it difficult to spot potential hazards or pedestrians crossing the road. It also amplifies the impact force during a collision, making injuries more severe.

Drunk Driving

Drunken driving causes auto accidents due to impaired judgment and reduced cognitive functions in the driver. When a person consumes alcohol, it affects their central nervous system, leading to slower reaction times, diminished coordination, and a decline in concentration. As a result, the driver becomes less capable of making quick decisions and responding to unexpected situations on the road.

Additionally, alcohol consumption impairs vision and perception, reducing the driver's ability to assess distances and speeds accurately. This can lead to misjudgments while overtaking, changing lanes, or negotiating turns, increasing the risk of collisions with other vehicles or objects.

Moreover, intoxicated drivers tend to exhibit reckless behavior, such as speeding and ignoring traffic rules, putting themselves and others in greater danger. 

Driver Fatigue

When drivers become tired, their ability to focus and make quick decisions diminishes, leading to impaired reaction times and decreased awareness of their surroundings. Fatigue can result in a lack of attentiveness, making it more challenging for drivers to notice and respond to potential hazards on the road.

Furthermore, tired drivers may experience microsleep episodes, briefly falling asleep behind the wheel, even if only for a few seconds. During these episodes, the vehicle can travel a considerable distance without the driver being aware, posing a grave danger to themselves and others sharing the road.

Bad Road Conditions 

Uneven surfaces, potholes, and debris can lead to a loss of traction, making it harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. When roadways are wet or icy, tires struggle to grip the surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding and collisions. Moreover, poorly marked lanes or faded road signs can confuse drivers, potentially resulting in improper lane changes and side-swiping accidents.

Stawicki Anderson & Sinclair has assisted thousands of Northern California clients with accident and injury claims since 1983. With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys have successfully secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients. Contact us to know how we can help you.