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What Are 6 Main Causes of Car Accidents?

Black compact car and white SUV after a head-on collision
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With millions of crashes occurring every single year, it’s easy to see that negligence runs rampant on U.S. roads. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always prioritize safety and instead do things that they shouldn’t when driving.

If you suffer injuries in a crash involving negligence, it’s vital to show causation. In many situations, causation means the other driver did something negligent and caused the crash. Below, we’ll help you recognize some of the common causes of crashes.

These are 6 common causes of car accidents:

  1. Distracted driving
  2. Speeding
  3. Driving under the influence
  4. Aggressive driving
  5. Drowsy driving
  6. Terrible weather

Call our firm today at (970) 292-7171. We offer free consultations.

1. Distracted Driving

Distractions are some of the most significant issues on the road. However, most people only think of texting and driving when they hear “distracted driving.” One thing to keep in mind is distracted driving comes in three different forms, including:

  • Visual distractions
  • Manual distractions
  • Cognitive distractions

Whether someone is listening to loud music, reaching for items within the car, or turning and talking to passengers, they are distracted.

2. Speeding

Several drivers ignore posted speed limits, driving much faster than they should. When someone is speeding, it’s easy for them to lose control. It’s also much more challenging for the driver to stop when approaching traffic. Speeding is one of the most common causes of crashes, especially at intersections or rear-end collisions.

3. Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving can cause significant impairment, leading to several crashes each year. Unfortunately, most people think that they can have a few drinks and still drive. However, any level of blood alcohol concentration level can cause:

  • Reduced reaction time
  • Vision impairment
  • Drowsiness
  • Impaired decision-making

Far too often, drivers get behind the wheel above the legal limit. They put others at significant risk and cause catastrophic harm in crashes. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of drunk drivers, including swerving, speeding up and slowing down, erratic braking, and more.

4. Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving can include many different actions, including cutting off other drivers or tailgating. It can also occur when one driver honks at another or drives next to them and taunts the other driver. Aggressive driving often causes others to panic, which can cause severe crashes.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, make sure you stay clear. Slow down if needed, and avoid getting near them.

5. Drowsy Driving

A tired driver can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver. Unfortunately, many drivers feel they can be safe with just a few hours of sleep. However, even with fewer sleep hours than average, a driver can experience significant impairments regarding decision-making, reaction time, and more.

6. Terrible Weather

While you can’t prevent inclement weather, drivers can maintain their vehicle and drive safely for conditions to prevent an accident. Even when weather conditions have a hand in causing the crash, it’s up to drivers to stay as safe as possible.

Any driver that fails to maintain their vehicle or drive safe for the weather conditions is responsible when they cause a crash.

At Veritas, we work hard to help our clients through complex legal matters. If you suffer injuries because of someone else’s actions, trust that we’ll be there to guide you through the process and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to safeguard your rights and obtain justice on your behalf.

Our Grand Junction car accident lawyers have significant experience helping injured parties take on negligence. Let us be your guide and voice, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions when you need it most.

Call our firm today at (970) 292-7171 and speak with a lawyer about your rights. We’re ready to help you!

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