What Factors Are Behind Many Car Accidents?

Common causes of car accidents are something that insurance companies analyze and study in an effort to determine insurance risks. From a legal perspective for a high damage car accident case, you can expect the courts assign fault to the parties involved. The percentage of fault affects how much compensation an accident victim can receive.

Human Error Is One of the Main Causes of Car Accidents

According to thebalance.com, different types of human error frequently cause car accidents. Human error comes in a variety of forms.

Distracted Driving

Drivers today have many sources of distraction that can lead to accidents. Cell phones, whether texting or talking take a driver's attention off of the road. Texting is the worst because it visually and cognitively distracts the driver. Other activities such as eating, putting on makeup or dealing with children can also be distractions.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are human errors that put drivers at risk for causing accidents. Some prescription medications have side effects that put drivers at risk.

Medical Conditions

Life-threatening accidents can result from individuals who experience a seizure or stroke while driving. Poor vision or falling asleep at the wheel are also dangers that can lead to accidents. It is wise to have someone else drive if you do not feel well, are tired or do not have your glasses.

Unfamiliar Area or Lack of Driving Laws Knowledge

Even with a GPS, not knowing your way around a city or area can be challenging. When you get lost, your attention may be shift to deciphering streets or landmarks rather than actually driving. Also, you may not notice local speed limits or a school zone. Some states allow turning right at red lights and other states do not. Drivers are at greater risk for accidents when they are unaware of the traffic laws of a particular state or region.

Mechanical Failure and Maintenance

Sometimes mechanical failure happens without any way to predict it. In other instances, lack of maintenance can lead to mechanical failure. Examples include, bald tires, squeaking brakes and not getting oil changes. When a car breaks down, it is easy to lose control and cause an accident.

A Serious Accident Requires Experienced Legal Help

If you have suffered serious injury in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, get legal help.

You should speak with personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can protect your rights to recover compensation.