The vast majority of car accidents occur because one or more drivers make a mistake. Negligent driving behavior can occur in a wide variety of ways on California roadways. Here, we want to discuss some of the most common types of negligent behavior that lead to car accidents, as well as the importance of working with a lawyer to recover compensation after an accident.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), we can see that there were nearly 58,000 total traffic crash injuries caused by speed-related incidents during the latest reporting year. Unfortunately, despite strict speed limit laws, individuals continue to operate at the speed limit or too fast for conditions. The higher the speed, the more likely individuals are to sustain severe injuries or die as a result of a crash.
Distracted driving is a problem that continues to plague California and drivers everywhere throughout the country. Unfortunately, with the rise of mobile technology, the total number of injury and fatal crashes caused by distracted driving has increased. Additionally, aside from cell phones and other mobile devices, individuals can be distracted by other things in the vehicle, including eating or drinking, talking to others, pets, and reaching for objects in the vehicle.
The OTS says that there were more than 23,000 total alcohol-related traffic crash injuries during the latest reporting year in California. Drunk and drugged driving remains a leading cause of fatal traffic collisions each year across this state.
When drivers fail to yield the right of way, it can completely disrupt the flow of traffic and lead to significant accidents. Drivers are required to yield at yield signs, for pedestrians inside marked crosswalks, and in various other situations on the roadway.
When drivers follow other vehicles too closely, this is a recipe for disaster. Without leaving enough space, drivers open themselves up to causing rear-end accidents if vehicles in front of them have to stop suddenly or take other types of evasive maneuvers.
Road rage is a problem, particularly when it leads to drivers becoming violent with others around them. No matter how mad a person gets behind the wheel, they need to contain their anger and not escalate any situation. Road rage can lead to drivers chasing down people they are mad at, ramming their vehicle into other vehicles, and some incidents have even led to weapons being brandished.
Individuals who operate vehicles that are not roadworthy can certainly cause accidents. Every part of a vehicle is important, and drivers should regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure safety. Problems with brakes, steering, lighting, suspension, and more can lead to a vehicle crashing unexpectedly on the roadway.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a vehicle accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver, you need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. But a lawyer will investigate the incident and handle conversations with insurance carriers and other parties to help recover compensation for your losses.