While there are myriad factors that can contribute to a motor vehicle accident, some elements continue to appear over and over again. What are some of the most common causes of vehicle collisions?
- Distracted driving: Over the years, the list of driving distractions has grown exponentially. From humble beginnings such as reading a newspaper in traffic to corresponding over email while behind the wheel, distractions have expanded with technology. Many studies support the finding that distracted driving accounts for a significant amount of serious – even fatal – motor vehicle accidents each year.
- Drunk driving: Drunk driving, and its corollary – drugged driving – can lead to devastating collisions. Impaired driving can lead to perceptive challenges such as blurred vision, slowed reaction times, loss of focus and fatigue.
- Speeding: It is not uncommon for drivers to ignore posted speed limits. Whether they justify it by being late for an appointment or simply ignore the safety signs altogether, speeding drivers can cause serious collisions. While many people ignore them, speed limits are generally tied to factors such as visibility, road design or upcoming curves.
- Reckless driving: The phrase reckless driving often includes the act of speeding, but it can also include numerous other chaotic behaviors. Unsafe lane changes, improper merge, tailgating, failure to follow posted safety signs … all of these actions can be considered reckless.
- Not stopping at a red light: Any of the aforementioned factors can result in a driver completely missing an intersection. Either rushing through a stop sign or failing to stop at a traffic signal, crossing an intersection in an unsafe manner can result in t-bone, head-on or rear-end collisions.
Depending on the types of vehicles involved and the force of the collision, a motor vehicle accident can result in devastating injuries such as brain damage, amputation, spinal cord damage, paralysis and burn injuries. If you were injured or you have lost a loved one in a serious collision, it is crucial that you contact a skilled attorney to learn your options for monetary recovery.