When determining liability in a car wreck, one of the things you need to prove is causation. You must show that the person who caused the collision was negligent and that the negligent act led to the crash. It’s important to recognize how serious some of the causes are.
Because we want you to recognize your rights to pursue compensation, below is a list of the top ten car wreck causes that may lead to some of the most catastrophic injuries. You will also have a better understanding of how they lead to wrecks and what to look for to remain safe.
The top 10 causes of car wrecks include the following:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Intoxicated driving
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Failing to check blind spots
- Texting and driving
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving
- Auto defects
- Speeding
Posted speed limits exist for a reason. Still, countless drivers ignore traffic laws and speed well over what is safe for the conditions. Those who speed have a higher chance of losing control on the road and it puts countless individuals at harm.
In a wreck involving speeding, there is an increased risk of higher force, which means they often lead to some of the most catastrophic injuries.
- Failing to Yield
Inexperience is a common issue leading to drivers failing to yield at red lights, stop signs, traffic signals, and for turns. Unfortunately, some drivers don’t consider other’s right of way or are impatient, and it often leads to a severe injury. In any situation where you must stop or other vehicles should yield, it’s best to give yourself time before proceeding.
- Intoxicated Driving
Alcohol plays a role in a high number of wrecks. When someone is drinking and driving, it can result in some of the worst collisions as individuals swerve from lane to lane, speed up and flow down, and follow too closely.
Intoxication can impact motor function, decision-making, and cognitive skills, which can result in a severe crash.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can be one of the worst actions on the road. Distractions come in many forms. Here are some of the different types of distractions, aside from texting and driving, you should be aware of:
- Eating and drinking
- Scanning through radio stations
- Reaching through the vehicle for items
- Turning to speak with passengers
- Viewing a mobile device
Even if you look to the side of the road at another incident, it is a visual distraction and you risk crashing into another vehicle. Signs of distractions can include swerving, erratic braking, and speeding.
- Tailgating
When someone is following you too closely, they may not have the time to stop as you approach traffic. Tailgating can also feel like it’s aggressive driving, but it’s also a sign of inexperience. If someone is following you too closely, try to change lanes and allow the driver to pass you.
- Failing to Check Blind Spots
Blind spots are problematic, but many experienced drivers take the necessary precautions to ensure they are merging carefully. Checking blind spots means a quick glance over your shoulder into the area where your mirrors cannot see. Before you do this, though, make sure there’s enough room in front of you to prevent a crash.
7.Texting and Driving
The most common form of distracted driving, texting, is perhaps the most dangerous. Texting is a visual distraction because you have to look at your phone, a manual distraction because you hold your phone, and a cognitive distraction because you have to read and respond. It can take five to ten second to text, and that’s enough time to cause catastrophic harm.
- Drowsy Driving
When someone is tired, they should avoid driving. Drowsy driving leads to swerving and erratic behavior. If someone falls asleep behind the wheel, it’s easy for them to lose control of their vehicle and it can result in the most devastating crashes.
- Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can include tailgating, but it can also include issues such as cutting off, swerving toward another driver, and honking at other drivers. Even if the driver doesn’t directly cause the wreck by colliding with your vehicle, their actions may lead to a crash as you try to avoid the dangerous behavior.
- Auto Defects
Auto manufacturers must ensure that the vehicles they put on the market are safe and drivable. Unfortunately, auto defects exist, often leading to recalls. However, before recalls occur, the issues often lead to significant injuries.
SERIOUS INJURIES – REQUIRE SERIOUS ATTORNEYS
Our firm understands the repercussions of a serious accident. If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you should not have to fight the uphill battle for compensation on your own. When you hire Ferrell & Brown, you are hiring a devoted, caring, and aggressive team who will tenaciously fight for you. If you or someone you know was injured in a wreck and wishes to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Ferrell & Brown. Call 304-235-5674 to get the help you deserve!
