Common Causes of Northern California Car Accidents

Northern California Car Accident Attorney

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 33,700 people die in motor vehicle crashes every year and over 2 million are injured. With such alarming high numbers, it is important for drivers to understand the most common causes of these accidents, so they avoid them. However, if you do sustain an injury in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of someone else, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible to maximize your chances at receiving just compensation.

Top 10 Common Causes of Car Accidents

1.Speeding: This is the leading cause of traffic accidents in the United States and entirely preventable. All drivers need to do is follow the posted speed limits. Even your best case scenario involves a ticket, so spare yourself the headache, save some money, and do not speed.

2.Distracted Driving: This cause is particularly on the rise with the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones, which have increased the level of danger on the roads. As a response, national and state legislatures passed strict anti-texting laws, and have even begun charging texting drivers with manslaughter for accidents that result in the death of another. Cell phone use is not the only form of distracted driving, of course.

Other distractions on the road include eating, smoking, listening to loud music or adjusting the radio, reaching for objects in the vehicle, and looking at or speaking to other passengers in the vehicle. It is essential to always direct your full attention to the road when behind the wheel to avoid accidents caused by distracted driving.

3.Driver Fatigue: Extreme fatigue can result in the same level of impairment as driving while intoxicated and is the cause of about 2.5% to 3% of all road fatalities. Those who have a history of falling asleep at the wheel can even be prosecuted for a criminal offense.

4.Drunk Driving: Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics is not only incredibly dangerous, but against the law and can yield severe consequences even if you are not involved in an accident. This kind of impaired driving increases one’s probability of an accident by 900%.

5.Rubber-Necking: This is another type of distracted driving that many of us take part in. You are driving on the road, past an accident, or even just a nice view, when all of sudden you have an accident because you took your eyes off the road. Always pay attention to the road ahead of you.

6.Defective Automobile or Defective Automobile Parts: Driver error is not the only cause of accidents on the road. Some are caused by auto defects, which often result in terrible injuries to vehicle occupants. These defects can either be caused by an inherently dangerous design or a defect in the making of a part.Either way, you will likely be able to hold multiple parties accountable for any injuries you sustain if this was the cause of your accident.

7.Defects in Roadway Construction: This results in hundreds of auto accident fatalities every year and includes the improper installment of traffic lights and roadway signals.

8.Poor Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, icy roads, and high winds are all examples of weather conditions that make driving more dangerous. If it is not necessary for you to go out, sometimes staying in is the better, safer option.

9.Improperly Cording off Construction Zones: To properly maintain our roads, road work is obviously necessary, but in some cases, road construction crews fail to safely cordon off construction zones. This can lead to an increased probability of auto accidents.

It is crucial to be mindful of all these potential dangers. Drive safely and defensively to try to avoid these accidents as best as possible.

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in an automobile accident in the greater Northern California area, the skilled and experienced legal team at the Law Offices of Larry D. Buckley will provide you with the resources and fierce legal advocacy you need to assert your rights in court. Our goal is to secure the best possible recovery for each client we serve, and we continuously achieve this goal through compassionate and aggressive representation. When you choose us, you can rest assured we will give you the genuine and honest legal counsel you deserve.

The state of California has a statute of limitations, beginning from the date of your injuries, so it is crucial to act as soon as possible. You do not want to risk the statute of limitations running out or you will forever forfeit your right to seek any damages relating to your accident. Our auto accident attorneys can determine your eligibility and help you file a suit if we believe you have a strong case. With a team that has decades of collective legal experience and a proven track record of success, you know your case will be in good hands with us.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so if we cannot win your case and secure compensation, you will not owe us a single cent for legal fees. You can focus on your recovery while we take care of the rest.