Common Causes Of Auto Accidents

Auto accidents typically happen when you least expect them, and there is usually a guilty party involved. But regardless of whose fault it is, the most important lesson to take away from this topic is to practice precaution, drive safely and minimize your distractions while behind the wheel.

Once you see a list about the some of the more common causes of auto accidents, you can’t help thinking that so many accidents could have been avoided with a little common sense.

Speeding

Speeding is considered one of the most dangerous and most common causes of auto accidents because it combines two things. First, excessive road speed reduces the time a person has to react. Second, the damage is usually more substantial. To put this into perspective, the force of a car crash can double when a driver goes from 40mph to 60mph.

There is no better way to say it, but avoiding excessive speed isn’t as much a precaution as it is common logic. Even though you can’t control other drivers, you are in control of your speed. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Getting Distracted

Accidents that occur because the driver got distracted in some manner also sits near the top of common causes of auto accidents. In fact, it has been estimated that about 10 percent of auto accidents were caused due to distractions. However, it’s not always a black and white situation.

For instance, if a driver is simply reckless and plays with his or her phone, then there is little excuse. But parents and drivers who transport children, especially babies and toddlers, can easily fall victim to taking their attention off the road and causing an accident.

Nevertheless, every driver can take their situation into consideration before moving down the road. If there are children involved, make sure they are strapped in car seats safely and they can’t move around inside the car.

If you feel you have an obsessive compulsion to immediately answer your phone every time it rings, which is pretty common these days, switch it off before you start the engine. You could be saving yourself (and others) a considerable amount of grief.

Drivers Who Fall Asleep

This is yet another common cause of auto accidents that can easily be avoided at least 99% of the time, but there are still about 100,000 auto accidents occurring each year due to falling asleep at the wheel.

Most of these accidents happen during hours when people typically sleep, but it’s definitely not exclusive to this time of day.

The best way to avoid falling asleep at the wheel is to either be well rested before you start driving, or by stopping periodically for about 5 or ten minutes if you’re on a long trip. Get out of the car and stretch your legs, but more importantly, take the time you need to feel refreshed. Sometimes a short nap alongside the highway can make all the difference. Your life could depend on it.

Drunk Driving

In terms of fatality statistics for auto accidents, drunk driving owns one third of the total number. In 2019 it was estimated that over 10,000 people died in drunk driving accidents in the US.

Unfortunately it’s not always easy to apply precautions, especially if the individual is already intoxicated. But if possible, make sure there is always a designated driver if you know you’ll be drinking. Or at the very least, call a taxi.

How To Handle An Accident

If it happens that the accident was your fault and you get a ticket, approaching legal counsel for help is often a great idea. As mentioned earlier, all situations are unique and sometimes the law can be a bit harsh. So, if you feel you are being punished unfairly, or there were special circumstances involved but weren’t noted by traffic officers, you can increase your chances for a better outcome with an experienced auto accident attorney.

It’s always better to prevent an accident rather than face the aftermath, but sometimes it’s just not possible. If it happens that you were the cause of the auto accident and you are facing legal problems, don’t hesitate to protect yourself with a reputable and experienced legal team.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident there’s a good chance that Jeremy Loew can help get you a more favorable outcome vs. going it alone. Give him a call now for a free evaluation at (719) 387-4111 or contact by email HERE.