Most Common Reasons for Car Accidents
Every day, people get behind the wheel expecting to arrive safely. Unfortunately, preventable crashes happen in seconds — often because someone made a careless choice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of crashes are caused by human error. That means most “accidents” aren’t accidents at all — they are the result of negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, understanding the most common causes can help you see how liability may apply in your case.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of car crashes nationwide. Common distractions include texting or using social media, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, and reaching for objects inside the vehicle
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distraction all at once. Even a few seconds of inattention at highway speeds can result in devastating injuries.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, weaving through traffic, and brake-checking are all forms of aggressive driving. When drivers allow frustration to dictate their behavior, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Negligent drivers can and should be held accountable for reckless behavior behind the wheel.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically increases the risk of a crash. Drinking and driving impairs your judgment, vision, and reaction time.
Impaired driving continues to cause serious injuries and fatalities across the country. Victims of drunk driving crashes may also be entitled to pursue punitive damages in certain cases.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road. Drivers who ignore traffic signals or fail to yield often cause T-bone collisions, pedestrian injuries, and multi-vehicle crashes.
These cases often involve clear violations of traffic laws, which can strongly support a personal injury claim.
Speeding
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact. Excessive speed is often combined with other negligent behaviors, making the crash even more dangerous.
Fatigued Driving
Driving while extremely tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Operating a vehicle when tired and impact focus and reaction time.
Long-haul truck drivers, shift workers, and sleep-deprived individuals are particularly at risk. Fatigue-related crashes often involve drifting out of lanes or rear-ending stopped traffic.
How Negligence Impacts Your Injury Claim
In a personal injury case, the key issue is whether another driver acted unreasonably under the circumstances. If their careless behavior caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any medical care you may need moving forward.
In states like Missouri, injured victims generally have five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, though exceptions can apply. Waiting too long can jeopardize your claim.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, understanding the common causes of car accidents is the first step — protecting your rights is the next.
Contact McShane & Brady, LLC today to speak with our personal injury attorneys who will fight to get the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us at (816) 888-8010
🌐 Visit mcshanebradylaw.com
Let us protect your rights.