Every year, motor vehicle accidents claim the lives of thousands of Americans. On top of this, hundreds of thousands of people are injured. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents, as well as the steps that you can take to avoid an accident, can help you stay safe on the road.

From the moment you get behind the wheel of your car, there is nothing more important than paying attention to the road and doing whatever you can to stay safe.

Unfortunately, even if you are following the rules of the road and driving in a defensive manner, others around you may not be doing the same.

Here are a few of the most common causes of car accidents:

  • Distracted driving. From cell phone use to texting to speaking with passengers, there are many ways a driver can become distracted.
  • Not obeying the law. Speeding and running traffic lights, for example, can both lead to a car accident. If more people obeyed the law there would be fewer accidents.
  • Drunk driving. This remains a major problem in the United States, as people continue to drink and drive. When a person has been drinking, the chances of him or her causing an accident is much greater.
  • Poor weather. Bad weather, like snow and rain, can lead to car accidents. This is because driver visibility is reduced.

Other causes of car accidents can come from a long list of factors, including defective vehicle parts, fatigued driving, poorly maintained roads, or even driver inexperience.

How to Prevent Common Car Accident Causes

While not all car accidents can be prevented, there are steps that you can take to practice safer driving, and reduce your chances. A few ways to prevent common car accident causes include:

  • Avoid distractions: Use hands-free features to make phone calls or text messages when driving. It can also be helpful to place your phone in a hard-to-reach place.
  • Know the local laws: While you may know the laws of your home state, road laws can change based on the state. If you travel, make sure you know the local laws.
  • Avoid drinking and driving: Instead of trying to stay within the state’s BAC legal limit, avoid drinking and driving altogether.
  • Stay home: If the weather is too bad, it may make sense to stay home. If you are already on the road, consider pulling off and waiting for the weather to improve.

Car accidents can be disastrous, leaving you with expensive and painful injuries. They can prevent you from working, or from even returning to the same line of work. It is best to first, take steps to avoid a car accident. If you are involved in one, then receiving medical care is your first step. Then, you might consider discussing your case with a car accident lawyer.

Protect Your Legal Rights Following a Car Accident

Were you involved in a car accident caused by one of the above? If so, and you were the victim, you may be able to collect compensation from the negligent party. Contact us to learn more about your rights.