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Common Causes of Car Accidents

Nearly every person who drives a car has had the experience at one time or another. Where you almost have a near accident because of some simple mistake or oversight while driving. And some unfortunate drivers have been the victims of accidents caused by common mistakes.

Severe accidents are often caused by common driving mistakes that are made in various situations. One of the main reasons for these accidents is human error, which can result from a lack of attention, distraction, or simply not following safety protocols or the rules of the road.

These mistakes seem minor but can have devastating consequences and lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. The following are some of the most common mistakes that lead to car accidents.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common mistakes is distracted driving, which involves activities that divert the attention of the driver from the primary task of driving. These distractions can include texting or using a cell phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, or even adjusting the stereo or navigation system.

When drivers are distracted, their reaction time diminishes, making it more difficult to avoid an accident. This can lead to rear-end collisions, side-swipe accidents, or even head-on crashes, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

Nowadays, it seems everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. So, it’s not uncommon to see people driving while eating, texting, engaging with passengers, or even grooming. These distractions contribute to all types of accidents, some leading to severe injuries and even fatalities.

Distracted driving cases can be challenging to handle legally due to several factors. Firstly, proving that the driver was indeed distracted at the time of the accident can be difficult, as it often relies on witness testimony or circumstantial evidence.

Additionally, distracted driving encompasses a wide range of activities, such as texting, talking on the phone, using GPS, eating, or even playing with pets. Each case may have different legal implications and requirements for evidence.

Experienced attorneys specializing in personal injury cases can help navigate these complexities and maximize the chances of success. The attorneys at Torgenson Law have over 20 years of experience fighting for Arizona accident victims. We have expertise in distracted driving cases and can build a compelling case for compensation, working directly with our clients to guide them through the entire process.

Wrong-Way Driving

Wrong-way driving can result in some of the most devastating accidents. When a driver is traveling in the wrong lane, they’re going against the flow of traffic, meaning that other drivers on the road are not expecting a vehicle to be coming straight towards them. This can lead to confusion, panic, and potentially deadly collisions.

The lack of predictability in drivers not following the rules of the road increases the risk of accidents occurring, as other drivers may not be able to anticipate the driver’s actions in the wrong lane.

Driving in the wrong lane can also cause accidents due to the decreased visibility it creates. When a driver is going against the flow of traffic, their view of the road is obstructed. Oncoming traffic can block the driver’s line of sight, making it difficult for them to see vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. This impaired visibility increases the chances of a collision, as the driver may not have enough time to react or take evasive action in response to unexpected situations.

Tailgating

Tailgating occurs when a driver follows another vehicle too closely, leaving little to no space for unexpected stops or maneuvers. This reckless behavior can lead to car accidents in multiple ways.

  • Tailgating significantly reduces the driver’s reaction time, preventing them from responding adequately to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. For example, if the vehicle being tailgated suddenly brakes due to an obstacle or traffic congestion, the tailgating driver may not have enough time to react and subsequently collide with the vehicle in front.
  • Tailgating can create a domino effect. If the driver following the leading vehicle is tailgated themselves, they may be forced to brake suddenly, causing a chain reaction of braking and potentially even a multiple-vehicle collision.
  • Tailgating also increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions. When a driver tailgates, they significantly decrease the braking distance between their vehicle and the one in front. If the leading driver suddenly stops, the tailgating driver may not have enough space to stop in time, resulting in a rear-end collision.

Rear-ending accidents can cause considerable damage to both vehicles involved and often end in serious injuries to the occupants. In any type of accident involving tailgating, it’s important to consult with an experienced accident attorney who can thoroughly investigate the incident and prove who was ultimately at fault.

Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving can lead to car accidents for several reasons. Most importantly, fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to focus and pay attention to the road. When a person is tired, they may experience reduced alertness, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment. This can cause them to miss important traffic signs, fail to notice other vehicles, or make poor driving decisions, such as misjudging the distance and speed of approaching cars.

Fatigue can also affect a driver’s coordination and motor skills. When a person is tired, their ability to control a vehicle’s steering, braking, and acceleration may be compromised. This can lead to swerving, unexpected maneuvers, or even falling asleep at the wheel, which may cause a serious accident.

Fatigue-related accidents often happen on long, monotonous stretches of road, where drivers struggle to stay engaged, making it more likely for them to drift off or lose control of the vehicle.

Road Conditions and Weather

Road and weather conditions often play a prominent role in car accidents. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, and lack of signage, can create hazards for drivers. These conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents. Additionally, if road maintenance is lacking, it can create unsafe conditions that increase the risk of accidents.

Similarly, inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can significantly impact visibility and traction on the road, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Wet and slippery roads can lead to vehicles skidding or hydroplaning, increasing the chances of collisions. Reduced visibility due to heavy rain, fog, or snow can also make it challenging for drivers to see other vehicles, leading to accidents.

It’s common for poor road conditions to cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, with inclement weather conditions reducing visibility and traction. If drivers don’t adjust their driving behavior and adapt to these conditions to ensure the safety of others on the road, serious accidents and injuries can occur. Additionally, it is the responsibility of governmental agencies to ensure that roads are in good condition and safe for travel.

Running Stop Signs, Speeding, or Reckless Driving

Another common mistake that can lead to severe car accidents is reckless driving. This includes behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights or stop signs, and engaging in aggressive maneuvers on the road.

According to the Arizona DOT, more than 140,000 accidents occur each year due to speeding motorists, resulting in 13,000 injuries. Speeding accidents occur from excessive speed or too fast for weather and road conditions.

Reckless driving not only endangers the life of the driver but also poses a significant risk to other road users. Speeding, for example, reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and increases the distance it takes to stop, making accidents more severe when they occur.

Call Torgenson Law Immediately After a Car Accident

In conclusion, common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These are some of the most common mistakes that significantly increase the risk of severe accidents. It is crucial for drivers to be vigilant on the road, avoid distractions, follow traffic rules, and never operate a vehicle while impaired.

Unfortunately, thousands of Arizonians have been injured and suffered property damage through no fault of their own. Distracted and reckless drivers cause thousands of accidents in the state each year, and if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident through the negligence of others, then you deserve to file a claim for fair and suitable compensation for your pain and suffering.

You deserve justice for an accident caused by someone’s distracted or reckless driving. Let the personal injury lawyers at Torgenson Law provide an honest evaluation of your case and pursuit for damages. While every car accident is unique in damages may vary, having experienced counsel by your side ensures your rights are protected, and you receive the justice you rightly deserve.

Our attorneys are skilled litigators who are prepared to go to court if necessary to protect your rights. Our entire team is committed to building a successful case for compensation. Reach out to us online or call us at 602-726-0747, and we will walk you through the steps needed to make a compelling case.