What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accident Injuries?
Although there are many prevention programs that aim to reduce the likelihood of car accidents, these tragedies still take place every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6.7 million police-reported traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. In those crashes, more than 2.7 million people were injured, and more than 36,000 were killed. Agencies such as NHTSA have made strides in determining the causes behind car accidents and the different methods that can be used to prevent them from happening altogether.
Crash-Related Factors
Even though a car accident can occur at any time and for many different reasons, there are certain actions that can increase the likelihood of an automobile crash taking place. Listed below are a few common things that have been found to cause a fender bender:
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Driving under the influence: One of the most notorious causes of a car accident is when a driver operates his or her vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The NHTSA estimates that more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-related accidents in 2018, and that alcohol-related car accident deaths accounted for nearly 30 percent of all accident fatalities. Even when a drunk driving accident does not result in a wrongful death, it can cause serious injuries and property damage.
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Speeding: Another common cause of car accidents is traveling above the speed limits. The NHTSA reported that more than 9,000 people died in car accidents in 2018 as a result of at least one motorist exceeding the speed limit. It is more difficult to control a vehicle at higher speeds, because reaction time is severely reduced.
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Distracted driving: A topic that has had an increased focus in recent years is the increase of motorists not paying attention to the road. Driving already demands that a person multitask effectively, which is why drivers should avoid taking their attention away from the act of driving. Cell phone usage, eating, adjusting the radio, or applying make-up are all forms of distracted driving that can lead to dangerous accidents.
Call a Bloomingdale Personal Injury Lawyer
While some collisions are simply a case of bad luck, many occur because of the negligence or reckless actions of another driver. If you have been injured in a car crash, you need to immediately contact a skilled Naperville, IL car accident injury attorney. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we understand how damaging an automobile crash can be for you and your family. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay us until we win your case. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office today at 630-932-9100.
Sources:
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812860
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811059