What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Although many car accidents are similar, no two motor vehicle collisions are ever the same. The good news is that the most common causes of car accidents are preventable, if drivers obey the rules of the road. Drivers are responsible for the majority of car accidents, and the most common driver-related causes for such accidents include:

• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Aggressive driving

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has emerged as one of the most frequent and fatal causes of car crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine people lose their lives each day in the U.S. due to distracted driving. While often referring to cell phone use, many behaviors result in distracted driving and subsequent accidents. Anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road for a few seconds may qualify as distracted driving. Other than cell phone use, examples of distracted driving include:

• Eating or drinking
• Programming the GPS or other equipment
• Loose pets in the vehicle
• Discipling children

There are other behaviors, such as putting on makeup while behind the wheel, that can also result in serious injury or death.

Mechanical Error

Failures of a vehicle’s mechanical system cause many accidents. This can range from tire blowouts to failed brakes or parts of a car coming loose and falling off. Drivers must maintain their vehicles in a safe, roadworthy condition.

Other Causes

Inclement weather is also responsible for many accidents, and poor road conditions may exacerbate the severity of a crash. In New Jersey, snowy and icy winter roads contribute to many accidents. Just as drivers are supposed to maintain their vehicles, municipalities or other jurisdictions are supposed to maintain the roads. Potholes, uneven pavement, broken guardrails, and similar scenarios can result in serious collisions.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Documentation is the key to a successful car accident lawsuit. After a car crash, accident victims are often in no condition to collect evidence and must simply await emergency medical assistance. If you can document the accident scene, it is important to do so.

Use your cellphone to take photos and videos of the scene, including the damaged vehicles, road conditions, and evidence, such as skid marks. Obtain insurance and contact information of the other driver, as well as contact information for any witnesses. Do not make any statements regarding fault you may have for the crash.

Always seek prompt medical attention, even if you do not think you were badly hurt. Some types of injuries are not immediately apparent, but failure to go to the emergency room or visit a doctor may cause an insurance company to allege your injuries are not that serious.

Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Car Accident Victims Obtain the Compensation They Deserve

If you or a loved one was seriously injured because of the negligent or reckless actions of another driver, you need the services of an experienced Cherry Hill car accident lawyer at DiTomaso Law. Our dedicated lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us today at 856-414-0010 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Mount Holly, Camden County, and Vineland.