There are numerous vehicle accident causes including driver actions and errors, and external factors like weather or mechanical failure. Leading car crash causes like drunk driving, speeding, and reckless driving can lead to severe injuries.
On average, there are 136,913 emergency room visits each year due to car accidents in New York. Our experienced New York car accident lawyer understands that crashes can happen anywhere, anytime. We help crash victims navigate their claims, getting them the compensation they need.
One of the leading causes of car crashes is intoxication. Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and, unfortunately, not uncommon. Intoxicated driving often means erratic driving including swerving between lanes, driving too fast or too slow, and failing to recognize traffic signs or signals.
Sometimes prescription medication can cause issues for drivers. It may cause driver fatigue, delayed responses, or medical issues while operating a vehicle. It is vital to understand the potential side effects of any medication prior to getting behind the wheel.
Driving takes practice and inexperienced drivers present a danger of car accidents simply because of their lack of practice. Teenage drivers and new drivers may misjudge speed, distances, and other factors causing collisions with other vehicles and objects.
Nodding off while driving is unsafe for yourself and others. Fatigue and drowsiness can lead to impaired judgment and erratic driving, such as swerving into oncoming traffic, variable speeds, and delayed reflexes. Studies have also shown that drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.
When drivers are distracted by devices and not paying attention to the road, car crashes can happen. In 2022, 3,038 people were killed in the U.S. because of distracted driving.
When a car accident causes death, you may need to speak with an attorney regarding a wrongful death car accident lawsuit.
Various behaviors can constitute reckless driving. Driving too fast for conditions, ignoring traffic signals, swerving between lanes, road rage, and aggressive driving can all cause crashes. Reckless driving not only puts the driver at risk, but puts their passengers, other roadway users, pedestrians, and bicyclists at risk as well.
High rates of speed make it more difficult to maneuver vehicles, causing severe accidents. Totalled vehicles, hospitalizations, paralysis, and fatalities are not uncommon outcomes of these serious crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding killed 12,151 people in 2022.
Running red lights and running stop signs are not just traffic violations, they are one of the main causes of accidents. These accidents can cause several serious injuries like head trauma, lacerations, broken bones, and other common leg injuries from car accidents.
Wrong-way driving is extremely unsafe. When a car moves in the wrong direction down a one-way street, on the wrong side of the highway, or while passing, it can lead to head-on collisions or vehicle runoffs. Impaired driving, distracted driving, or drunk driving are common reasons wrong-way driving happens.
Illegal maneuvers while turning is one of the main causes of accidents. Failing to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic or turning in an unsafe manner can cause a collision. Additionally, failing to use a turn signal can cause accidents because other drivers may not be aware another car is turning.
T-bone accidents are often the result of improper turning. Side impact can cause serious injuries to vehicle occupants including traumatic brain injuries and crush injuries.
Tailgating can cause accidents if the driver following too closely is unable to stop in time. A driver stopping suddenly, quickly, or unsafely may also cause an accident.
If there is a dispute of car accident fault, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
When drivers fail to signal, check blind spots, merge too early, or move between lanes too slowly or quickly, accidents can happen. Unsafe lane changes may lead to side swipe accidents or multiple vehicle accidents in high-traffic areas.
Sometimes, external factors can cause a crash to occur. Weather conditions, poor road conditions, and poor visibility are just a few causes of car accidents. In New York, for instance, winter roads can be particularly dangerous as snow, slush, and ice accumulate.
Animal crossings are an unexpected hazard. When wildlife or a domestic animal suddenly enters the roadway, drivers may swerve leading to damage and injuries. Collisions with animals can also be hazardous, often causing costly front-end damage.
Poorly maintained vehicles present a unique danger. Stalled cars, bad brakes, and numerous other mechanical issues can cause single or multiple vehicle accidents.
When mechanical failures happen, challenging legal questions arise such as who is liable in a car accident: owner or driver? Understanding responsibility in a crash can be critical to your personal injury claim.
Tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Loss of control may cause drivers to crash into other vehicles, objects, or even roll over their car. Additionally, accidents may occur when other drivers hit roadway debris caused by tire blowouts.
Poorly designed roads may cause over speeding, overcorrecting, and misjudgments on the part of even the most experienced drivers. For instance, signage may be confusing, the grade of the road may make it dangerous to maneuver, or intersections may be hazardous.
No matter the reason, the impact of a car accident can be life-changing. It can have serious and overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional implications. Navigating your claim and receiving a fair settlement can add to this stress.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, let the accident attorneys at Spektor & Associates, P.C. help you file a car accident claim. Our experienced team is ready to assist you and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
