Every year, thousands of accidents occur on American highways. Car accidents in California can be caused by a variety of factors, including various forms of driver irresponsibility.
If you were injured in a car accident, you will need to determine what caused your collision in order to prove your auto accident lawsuit against the negligent. An auto accident attorney can be the most dependable source for proving your claim and obtaining the damages that you deserve. The following are some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents in California.
Speeding
According to the Berkeley Center for Safe Transportation Research and Education, speeding is a common cause of serious traffic accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and ability to manage the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Drivers who speed may also be more likely to drink and drive or not wear their seat belts.
Speed-related crashes are more likely to be fatal due to the amount of energy that must be released in an accident. Speed-related crashes accounted for slightly more than 29 percent of all fatal crashes in California in 2016. If you are involved in a car accident caused by someone driving too fast for the weather or road conditions, that driver may be held responsible for your losses.
Impaired Driving
Every year, thousands of drivers in California are involved in accidents while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol was involved in more than a quarter of all fatal crashes in California in 2019.
In 2018, California had the highest number of fatalities in these collisions, with over 1,120 people killed. Drug use may also play a role in fatal car accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 42 percent of drivers tested after a collision in 2018 had legal or illegal drugs in their system.
Distracted Driving
Smartphones enable us to communicate with friends, family, and coworkers, but they can also cause injury and death in car accidents. In California, using a cell phone while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal. Talking on the phone while driving is still a distraction, even with hands-free device holders.
According to the California Highway Traffic Safety Administration, dialing, talking, and texting are so dangerous that they triple the likelihood of an accident. Distractions such as changing clothes, looking at a map, eating, reading, conversing, or changing the radio station all increase the likelihood of an accident. When drivers take their eyes and minds off the road, everyone’s safety is jeopardized.
Call Us if You Are Injured in a Car Accident
It is critical to understand the most common causes of car accidents so that you can take preventative measures. According to the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) statistics, there were over 3,316 fatalities in California alone in 2019. It’s crucial to remember that traffic and driving laws are in place to keep everyone on the road safe. Following the speed limit, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, driving a safe vehicle, and obeying the law are all great ways to help ensure a safe journey.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we can fight for the compensation you deserve. Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can be reached at 1-844-404-2400. We provide free consultations and work on a contingency basis.
