There are several frequent causes of car accidents that can leave victims with serious, debilitating and lifelong injuries. Car accident victims should be familiar with the common ways negligent drivers can cause car accidents and the personal injury legal protections available to them when they do.
Driver inattention and distraction
It is not uncommon for drivers to lose focus on the roadway which can lead to car accidents, injuries and fatalities. There are a variety of different types of driver distraction, including manual, visual and cognitive, all of them dangerous.
Driver fatigue and drowsiness
Many Americans suffer from chronic sleep deprivation and studies have shown that driving while drowsy or fatigued is just as dangerous as driving while drunk.
Driver impaired by drugs or alcohol
Impaired drivers cause tens of thousands of car accidents each year. Between one quarter and a third of all fatal car collisions in the U.S. each year involve drug or alcohol impairment. Drunk and impaired driving is dangerous driving.
Driver speeding
Many Americans commonly speed while driving. Drivers who are speeding need more time to respond to roadway hazards and may not be able to respond to changing roadway conditions when needed. Speeding increases the chances of a car accident that results in injuries or death and is dangerous.
Each negligent driver may be liable to their victims for the damages and harm caused to them. A personal injury claim for damages may be able to help injured car accident victims recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages sustained at the hands of a negligent driver.