Causes of Car Accidents

An accident is defined by Encarta Dictionary as "an unplanned and unfortunate event that results in damage, injury, or upset of some kind." Although a car accident is certainly an unplanned event, there are specific factors that may lead to a collision. It is important to understand these, not only because it may affect a victim's ability to hold a negligent driver or other party accountable for their conduct, but because it can help a person take preventative measures to avoid an accident in the first place.

The most common cause of auto accidents nationwide is driver behavior. This may include any act or failure to act on the part of a driver, which results in an accident. For example, running a red light, driving drunk or speeding may all cause a car accident to occur. Less common causes include dangerous or defective roadways, poor weather conditions and defective automobile parts.

Driver Behavior
A driver's behavior on the road will directly influence whether he or she causes or is involved in a car accident. All drivers have an obligation to obey traffic laws and to drive with a reasonable level of care for the safety of others. Negligence, recklessness or intentional wrongdoing on the part of a driver may have disastrous results. Read more about driver behavior…

Dangerous Roads
The roads that we drive on may be to blame for car accidents in some cases. A poorly designed road, for example, may present a serious hazard for a driver who is obeying traffic laws and driving safely. A defective traffic light or guardrail may lead to a deadly collision. In these cases, the government authority responsible for maintaining, building and inspecting roadways may be held accountable. Read more about dangerous roads…

Heavy Weather
Weather may contribute to or cause a car accident, particularly when combined with driver negligence. Heavy rain, fog, snow and wind can cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle or may decrease visibility to such an extent that it is exceedingly dangerous to drive. Read more about heavy weather…

Defective Auto Parts
We rely on our vehicles to function properly. If an auto part is defective in some way, it may malfunction and may cause a serious accident. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, defective airbags and poorly designed steering or suspension systems may cause an accident or may increase the injuries that a victim experiences in a collision. Read more about defective auto parts…

No matter the particular cause of an accident – and even if you believe you were to blame – it is a wise choice to review the matter with a legal professional. This will grant you the opportunity to find out more about your legal rights and options. It will help you take the right steps toward securing a fair settlement for your claim.

To learn more about car accidents, feel free to browse through the information on this site. You can also use our directory to find a local car accident attorney.