The Top Reasons Why Car Accidents Happen

Car Accident Lawyer

Cars have come a long way, and recent features like backup cameras, forward collision systems, adaptive headlights, and more all work wonders in preventing or minimizing car accidents. Unfortunately, car accidents still happen more than we would like, and even a minor crash can cause severe damage to a vehicle and the people inside. Besides injuring a driver or passenger, a car accident can also negatively impact their mental health. We’ll explore some of the top reasons why car accidents still happen. 

Distracted Driving 

Many people believe they excel at multitasking. However, switching your brain’s attention between tasks limits your overall concentration on a single task. For example, while texting a friend while watching Netflix and answering some work emails might be doable when you’re driving, your only objective should be to drive—whether on a busy city street or cruising down the highway. Adding additional tasks like eating and drinking, texting, grooming, reading, etc., can all impact your ability to drive and respond. 

Driving While Under the Influence 

Driving while drinking or doing drugs also severely impacts your ability to drive. When we think of drunk driving, we tend to think of drivers who have consumed enormous amounts and can barely stand before getting into their car. While this happens and creates disastrous results, even someone who has had one too many drinks at the bar can have their driving impaired. Therefore, it’s best to give yourself the necessary time or arrange a different way to get home. 

Running a Stop Sign or Red Light

Many car accidents happen from running a red light or a stop sign at an intersection. So while saving a couple of minutes is tempting, you should always wait until it’s your time to go, even if the street appears empty. 

Reckless Driving 

Just about everyone has violated a traffic law at one point in their lifetimes. For example, maybe they sped too much on their way to work or didn’t realize what the speed limit was, somehow didn’t spot a red light or stop sign, forgot to put on their turn signal, or drove around with expired license plates until they had the chance to get them changed, etc. However, intentionally breaking traffic laws that put other drivers or property at risk is known as reckless driving—speeding excessively, changing lanes too quickly, cutting off drivers, etc. Violating several traffic laws at once might be aggressive driving. 

Weather Conditions

Not all car accidents are the fault of another driver. Many car accidents result from bad weather conditions like snow, ice, or rain causing slippery roads. In addition, fog and wind can cause car accidents by obscuring a driver’s vision. Avoid driving when the weather is terrible, especially if you don’t have solid tires and four-wheel drive. 

These are some of the top reasons for car accidents, but other causes exist. If you or a loved one experiences a car accident resulting from another person’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation by working with a car accident lawyer in Longwood, FL. Our friends at Darrell Castle & Associates can assist!