Common Causes of Car Accidents and Their Legal Impact

A car accident can impact your life in ways you never imagined! And nobody is ever truly prepared for it. One careless move by another driver, a missed stoplight, or a quick look at a phone is all it takes for a car accident to happen. And then starts all the confusion! You might have questions, like -

• Who was really at fault?
• What should I say to the insurance company?
• Do I need a lawyer right now?

The cause of car accidents plays an important role in what happens next. It affects who pays your medical bills, how insurance companies respond, and whether you're entitled to any compensation. 

That's exactly why you need to know the most common causes of car accidents and their legal impact. So, we've prepared this guide that'll answer all your questions and clear your doubts!

The Causes of Car Accidents & Their Legal Impact

If you or someone you know has ever been in a car accident, you already know how devastating and traumatizing it can be. And unfortunately, it's quite common in the USA. But once you know what usually causes these accidents, it’s easier to be more careful on the road and know what to do if something goes wrong. 

So, here are some causes of car accidents and their legal impact -

1. Distracted Driving

This is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the U.S., and it doesn't always involve just texting. Distractions can include -

• Checking your phone
• Using GPS
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting music
• Talking to passengers

Even a few seconds of distraction can land you in serious crashes.

Legal impact -

If the other driver caused the crash and your injuries due to distracted driving, you can hold them responsible for the accident. And to prove their fault, you'll need to collect the phone records, traffic footage, and witness statements. 

You can hire experienced personal injury lawyers in Sacramento to protect your rights and build a strong case for you.

2. Speeding

When a car accident is caused by speeding, the injuries are usually worse. Speeding increases -

• Stopping distance
• Crash severity
• Risk of life-threatening injuries

Legal impact -

Speeding is considered negligence. If a speeding driver causes a crash, they may be liable for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Sacramento personal injury attorneys often use crash reports and vehicle data to prove that the opposite party was driving at a high speed. 

They can help you secure your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve to cover your expenses after the accident. 

3. Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving

When a driver is driving under the influence, it can cause major accidents on the road. Alcohol, drugs, and even a few prescription medications can slow down the reaction time of the driver and cause accidents. They might struggle with -

• Staying in lanes
• Judging distances
• Making safe decisions

Legal impact -

Drunk driving accidents often involve severe injury claims. As this behavior is considered reckless, victims may be eligible for higher compensation. On top of that, the driver at fault can also face criminal charges or a civil lawsuit.

4. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Intersections are common accident hotspots. Many drivers rush through yellow lights or roll through stop signs. And this often causes -

• Side-impact collisions
• Severe injuries
• Multi-vehicle crashes

Legal impact -

When there are traffic violations, it can make the fault easier to prove. If a driver ignored a signal or sign, Sacramento personal injury attorneys can quickly build a strong case and establish liability.

5. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents may look minor. But they can cause serious injuries like whiplash and back pain. Even at low speeds, the sudden jolt during a crash can strain your neck, spine, and muscles, leading to pain that may show up days later and affect your daily routine. They usually happen due to -

• Tailgating
• Distracted driving
• Sudden stops

Legal impact -

The rear driver is usually at fault. Low-speed crashes can still qualify for compensation if your injuries make it difficult for you to work, move comfortably, or handle your everyday activities.

6. Unsafe Lane Changes

Quick lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots can cause sudden crashes on the road. Some of the common mistakes are -

• Cutting off other drivers
• Zigzagging through traffic
• Ignoring blind spots

Legal impact -

These cases often depend heavily on evidence. You can take help from your lawyer to collect dashcam footage and witness statements to prove the opposite party’s fault and secure the compensation you deserve.

7. Poor Road Conditions

Sometimes, the bad conditions of the road can cause car accidents. This can happen due to -

• Potholes
• Missing signs
• Construction hazards
• Faded lane markings

Legal impact -

In some situations, certain agencies or contractors may be responsible for poor road conditions that can cause car accidents. But you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them. These claims are complex and time-sensitive, which is why you’ll need to hire seasoned personal injury lawyers in Sacramento to help you secure your justice and compensation. 

8. Weather-Related Accidents

Bad weather is another common cause of a car accident. Rain, fog, and slippery roads reduce visibility and traction, making driving more dangerous, especially when drivers don’t adjust their driving speed or style. Some of the weather-related causes are -

• Driving too fast for the road conditions
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Failing to use headlights in low visibility

Legal impact -

Drivers are still responsible for driving safely, even in bad weather. If someone fails to adjust and causes a crash, they can be held liable. Poor weather is not an excuse for careless driving. A reliable lawyer can help you collect the right evidence and prove the opposite party’s fault so that you can get the compensation you’re entitled to after the accident.

Get Legal Help After a Car Accident - Contact Doyle & O’Donnell Now!

Car Accident Injuries and the Types of Compensation You Can Receive

A car accident can affect your body, your work, and your daily routine. Some injuries are obvious right away. But others can take time to show up. Either way, they can quickly turn into medical bills, missed paychecks, and ongoing pain.

These are some of the most common car accident injuries -

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Back and spinal damage
• Head injuries and concussions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue injuries like muscle strains 
• Internal injuries that may not be visible at first

When these injuries interfere with your life, you may be entitled to compensation like -

• Medical expenses (current and future care)
• Lost wages from time off work
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your job long-term
• Pain from physical and emotional trauma
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

When you join hands with reputable Sacramento personal injury attorneys, they’ll fight for you in court, gather the right evidence, and negotiate on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about paperwork, insurance pressure, or the cost of your medical bills.

Answers to Your Common Car Accident Concerns