Causes of Car Accidents

 

Car accidents are increasing across the country, with the number of fatal crashes spiking to a nine-year high in 2016.

Automotive accidents occur for a variety of reasons, from distracted drivers to motorists who operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Often, the effects of a car crash are significant, with major injuries and even death far from uncommon.

As a Costa Mesa-based auto accident attorney’s office, we frequently deal with car, motorcycle, and other vehicular accident cases. Often, we see the same causes occurring again and again, particularly in accidents here in Costa Mesa and Southern California as a whole.

To help you stay more alert while on the road, we’ve listed some of the most common causes of automotive accidents below.

Our car accident lawyers provide legal information to help you take action in the event you’re the victim of an accident that stems from one of the situations listed on this page.

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Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is by far the most common cause of car accidents in the United States. Most accidents of this type occur when a driver is distracted by a conversation with a passenger or using their smartphone (either for a call, texting, or reading) while driving. If you’re involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you can and should seek legal advice to ensure you’re treated fairly under the law.

Our Costa Mesa-based team can provide more information on the options available for you to seek an insurance claim or settlement.

 

Speeding

Southern California’s highways might be clogged during rush hour, but in off-peak periods it’s far from uncommon to see people breaking the speed limits. Speeding drivers are far more likely to be involved in crashes than people who drive within the speed limit, creating a serious risk. Just like with distracted driving, speeding drivers are almost always at fault for the accidents they cause.

Our team can help you learn more about your legal rights if you’re involved in a crash caused by a speeding motorist, whether they’re in a car, truck, or motorcycle.

 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is the third most common cause of motor vehicle accidents in the country. Often, DUI-related accidents are caused by a loss of focus or motor skills on the part of the intoxicated driver, leading to a wide range of accidents. In California, an increasing number of DUI-related crashes are caused not only by alcohol but by drivers under the influence of controlled substances.

In either case, if you’re the victim of a DUI-related crash, you can and should seek legal advice to ensure you can successfully make a claim

 

Reckless Driving

Have you ever been tailgated by an overly aggressive driver on the freeway? Or been forced to slam on the brakes after a driver changed lanes without using their turn signal? Reckless driving is an everyday occurrence on Southern California roads and a leading cause of accidents.

As with the other accident causes listed above, if you’re involved in an accident caused by a road user’s reckless driving, you may be able to take legal action. We’ve assisted numerous Costa Mesa-based motorists in seeking claims and settlements due to reckless drivers.

 

Ignoring Stop Signs

Stop signs are large, red, and easy to identify, but this doesn’t stop thousands of drivers from ignoring them every year. Intersections with stop signs are common locations for collisions in Costa Mesa and Southern California, many of which are caused by distracted drivers.

Drivers can fail to notice stop signs for a variety of reasons, from tiredness to simply feeling distracted when entering an intersection.

In either case, you can and potentially should take legal action in the event that you’re hit by a motorist who fails to stop for a stop sign.

 

Bad Weather Conditions

Finally, bad weather conditions are another common cause of road accidents. In heavy rain, it’s easy for cars to lose their grip on the road, making skidding and sliding far more common than it is during dry weather. Poor weather conditions are a particularly common cause of accidents for motorcyclists, whose vehicles lack the amount of road contact of a car or truck.

Often, accidents caused as a result of rain or other bad weather also feature excessive speed or other forms of dangerous driving.

 

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

Road accidents are a common occurrence in Southern California, and their consequences can be significant.

From damage to your vehicle to injuries that result in lost income and a reduction in your quality of life, even a “minor” accident can have lasting consequences.

As one of the leading Costa Mesa auto accident firms, The Law Offices of Daniel Kim can help you take action in the event that you’re involved in a car accident caused by a reckless, negligent, dangerous, or speeding motorist.

For more information and personalized assistance, call us today for a free consultation.

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