What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?
- Distracted driving is an increasing concern that can put drivers at risk of a serious traffic accident.
- Speeding, tailgating, and other aggressive driving behaviors contribute to car crashes in California.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and fatigued driving can lead to drivers making poor decisions that result in accidents.
- Defective auto parts manufacturers and negligent mechanics can be responsible for traffic collisions.
- Our skilled car crash attorneys can help accident victims prove liability and claim compensation.
Common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, reckless driving, poor road or weather conditions, and mechanical issues. Unfortunately, traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in California. Driver errors and negligence often lead to collisions that leave victims with serious injuries and long-term consequences.
Our experienced California car accident lawyers have handled countless cases, seeing firsthand how unsafe driving hurts others. Our team shares what the most common causes of car accidents are and how we can help victims seek compensation.
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Failure To Yield and Other Traffic Violations
- Tailgating and Aggressive Driving
- Fatigued and Drowsy Driving
- Poor Road or Weather Conditions
- Vehicle Defects or Mechanical Failures
- Injured in a Crash? Cutter Law’s Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, a leading cause of car accidents, occurs when a driver’s attention is pulled away from operating the vehicle. There are three types of distracted driving that can increase the risk of an auto accident, including:
- Visual distractions: Looking out the window, at a cellphone, at the navigation system, and at vehicle passengers
- Manual distractions: Texting, adjusting car or audio settings, eating, and reaching for items in the car
- Cognitive distraction: Talking to passengers, using hands-free smartphone features, and daydreaming
California has laws in place to help limit distracted driving, including a statewide ban on handheld devices while driving.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents in California. According to Caltrans, speeding causes about 34 percent of traffic accident fatalities and serious injuries.
High-speed driving can increase the risk of a crash because it’s more difficult to stop the vehicle or react to a situation on the road. It can also intensify an accident by increasing the force of impact.
In California, scenarios that often lead to speeding include:
- Running late for work or an appointment
- Trying to get through heavy city traffic
- Failing to recognize the speed limit
- Driving recklessly on California highways
Speeding may be negligence per se, which means that the act of breaking the traffic law and causing an accident is considered negligent. Speeding drivers can be held liable for the injuries and damages they cause.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Alcohol and drugs can cause dangerous driver impairments that result in auto accidents. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is illegal for most drivers in California. However, the state has a zero-tolerance limit for drivers under the age of 21.
Causing a traffic crash while driving under the influence could result in both criminal consequences and a civil lawsuit. Accident victims can file a claim against the at-fault driver to seek compensation for their losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Failure To Yield and Other Traffic Violations
Failing to yield and violating other traffic rules are among the most common causes of car accidents in California. Examples include:
- Running red lights or ignoring traffic signage
- Rolling stops at stop signs or when making right turns
- Failing to yield the right of way at crosswalks or intersections
- Attempting to turn left after the light turns red
These traffic violations can lead to serious crashes, such as pedestrian, sideswipe, and T-bone accidents. If injured victims take legal action, traffic citations can be used as evidence to prove legal and financial responsibility for damages.
Tailgating and Aggressive Driving
Tailgating occurs when a driver follows the vehicle in front of them too closely. Rear-end collisions and other serious accidents are often caused by failing to keep a safe distance and other aggressive driving maneuvers, including:
- Weaving between or around vehicles
- Brake-checking or abruptly slamming on the brakes
- Blocking other drivers from changing lanes
- Erratic gesturing or verbal aggression
- Other acts of road rage
Surveillance or dash cam footage, eyewitness statements, or a history of aggressive driving behavior can provide a strong foundation for victims to build their case and establish liability.
Fatigued and Drowsy Driving
Driving while fatigued can have the same effect as driving under the influence of alcohol, including these symptoms:
- Inability to concentrate or focus
- Compromised decision-making
- Slower hand-eye coordination and reaction times
Additionally, drowsy drivers may briefly fall asleep behind the wheel, substantially increasing the risk of a collision. While fatigued driving is more commonly seen in truck drivers or long-distance commuters, anyone who is too tired to operate a vehicle may be at fault for an accident.
Proving that a fatigued driver’s careless decisions caused your accident can be challenging. However, an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer can help you build your case and pursue compensation.
Poor Road or Weather Conditions
Damaged roads and poor weather conditions also contribute to car accidents in California. Examples of situations that may lead to collisions include:
- Poor visibility due to rain or fog
- Slippery, wet, or icy roads
- Excessive potholes or damaged asphalt
- Poor lighting or signage
When poor road conditions cause an accident, victims may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the government agency responsible for road maintenance. For example, a municipality may fail to maintain proper drainage on a busy road, resulting in a vehicle hydroplaning and crashing. The injured person may be eligible to file a claim against the government to recover their losses.
Vehicle Defects or Mechanical Failures
Other common causes of car accidents include mechanical defects or failures, such as:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Steering system malfunctions
- Vehicle equipment defects
In these cases, victims may hold the auto manufacturer or negligent repair shop liable for their injuries and damages. Our attorneys can help you determine the cause of the crash and assess whether you have a case.
Injured in a Crash? Cutter Law’s Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help
At Cutter Law, our team has extensive experience handling car accident claims in Oakland, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and across California. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, we are ready to help you and your family recover compensation for your losses.
Family-owned, California-based, and client-focused. Call 888-285-3333 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
You have two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury related to a car accident. You have three years to file a claim for property damage from a car accident.
Taking the proper steps after a car accident will give you the best shot at recovering the maximum compensation in an insurance claim.
In California, you can file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You must provide evidence of the accident and documentation of your damages.