Top Causes Of Traffic Accidents

Annually, millions of drivers and passengers throughout the United States are involved in traffic accidents. From contusions and whiplash to paralysis and traumatic brain injuries, a significant percentage of motor vehicle accidents result in those involved suffering painful injuries that have both significant financial and personal costs.

In the wake of a traffic accident, it’s important to thoroughly investigate any and all possible contributing factors. While things like road defects and vehicle malfunctions play a role in some accidents, according to a 2015 survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver error was cited as being the primary factor in 94 percent of traffic accidents.

Why Do Traffic Accidents Happen?

When negligence is a factor in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, injured parties can take legal action to recover compensation for the injuries and losses they suffer. The following are four of the most-common causes of traffic accidents:

    • Distraction — Cellphones, passengers and eating are all things that can compete for a driver’s attention and cause a driver to take his or her eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off the task of driving.
    • Speeding — A motor vehicle traveling at an unsafe speed is more difficult to control and stop. Speeding drivers are, therefore, more likely to be involved in all types of collisions including rear-end, intersection and sideswipe accidents.
    • Impairment — Alcohol and prescription and over-the-counter medications are believed to be a factor in roughly one-third of all fatal traffic accidents. Slower reaction times, blurred vision and reduced cognitive functioning are all problems that drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs experience.
  • Fatigue — After a sleepless night, many people don’t think twice about getting behind the wheel of a car and driving to work. Research shows, however, that overly tired drivers are more prone to making driving errors.

Annually, distractions, speeding, impairment and fatigue are cited as contributing to millions of motor vehicle accidents. If you were injured by a driver who was texting, drunk or driving too fast, a personal injury attorney at Rothchild Law Office can help.

Call a lawyer at our Cincinnati office at 513-579-8900 today to discuss your case for free. You can also get in touch by submitting our online contact form. All initial consultations are free and we don’t get paid unless you get paid.