What Are the Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents?

TL;DR - Key Takeaways

• The five most common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and driver fatigue.
• Understanding the causes of car accidents helps victims identify negligence and pursue compensation for their injuries.
• If you've been injured due to a negligent driver, contact a car accident lawyer to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
• Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma after a collision caused by preventable behaviors.
• Free consultations are available to discuss your personal injury claim with experienced trial attorneys.

Every day across Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming, serious crashes happen because drivers make preventable mistakes. We've spent over three decades representing victims who've been hurt through no fault of their own, and in my over 25 years of experience as a lawyer I’ve seen how devastating these collisions can be. The good news is that understanding the causes of car accidents helps victims recognize when negligence played a role, and when negligence is involved, victims have legal options.

Top 5 Leading Causes of Car Accidents in the U.S.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks crash data nationwide, and the patterns are clear. While every collision is unique, five primary factors show up again and again in serious injury cases. These causes of car accidents account for the majority of preventable collisions we see in our practice. Let's break down each one.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is now the leading cause of car accidents in America. Texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or even talking to passengers pulls a driver's attention away from the road. When someone's eyes leave the pavement for just five seconds at 55 mph, they've traveled the length of a football field blind.

We see distracted driving cases constantly in our practice. Colorado alone reported over 15,000 distraction-related crashes in recent years, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Washington State has similar numbers. These aren't just fender benders. They're T-bone collisions at intersections, rear-end crashes on highways, and pedestrian accidents in crosswalks.

If a negligent driver was texting or otherwise distracted when they hit you, that's strong evidence in a personal injury claim. Phone records, witness statements, and crash scene evidence can prove it. A car accident lawyer can subpoena cell phone records to demonstrate the driver was on their device at the time of impact.

Speeding

Speed kills, and it's one of the top causes of car accidents nationwide. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time a driver has to react and the more severe the impact becomes. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in a recent year.

We've handled cases on I-25 in Colorado, I-5 in Washington and Oregon, and I-80 in Wyoming where excessive speed turned what should've been a minor incident into a catastrophic crash. When someone's speeding and causes a collision, they're liable for the harm they cause. A car accident lawyer can help prove speed was a factor through accident reconstruction, skid marks, and witness testimony.

Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol or Drugs)

Impaired driving remains a deadly problem across all four states we serve. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, impair judgment, and make it nearly impossible to operate a vehicle safely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 32 people die every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

When we take on DUI crash cases, we fight hard. Not only is the at-fault driver criminally liable, but they're also civilly responsible for every dollar of damage they caused. This includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. An accident injury lawyer can pursue both the drunk driver and, in some cases, the bar or party host who overserved them.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, call us at 866-377-3800 or schedule a free consultation at www.metierlaw.com.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and road rage contribute to thousands of crashes each year. These drivers disregard traffic laws and put everyone around them at risk. 

Reckless driving cases often involve multiple violations at once. We've represented clients who were hit by drivers who were speeding, tailgating, and ignoring stop signs all at the same time. Proving reckless behavior strengthens your auto accident compensation case significantly. It can even open the door to punitive damages in some situations.

Driver Fatigue

Drowsy driving doesn't get the attention it deserves, but it's one of the most dangerous causes of car accidents. A tired driver has slower reaction times, impaired decision-making, and in severe cases, they can fall asleep at the wheel entirely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes annually.

We see this often with commercial truck drivers who push past legal driving limits, but it also happens with everyday commuters who are overworked or sleep-deprived. Wyoming's long stretches of rural highway make fatigue-related crashes especially common. If a fatigued driver caused your traffic collision, they're responsible for the consequences.

Other Factors That May Contribute to a Crash

While the five causes above are the most common, other factors frequently play a role. Weather conditions like snow and ice are serious concerns in Colorado and Wyoming winters. Road defects, poor signage, and inadequate lighting can contribute to crashes. Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts sometimes cause collisions, though these are less common.

It's also worth noting that sometimes multiple factors combine. A driver might be speeding in bad weather while distracted by their phone. When investigating the causes of car accidents in your case, a car crash attorney will look at every contributing factor to build the strongest case possible.

What to Do If You've Been Injured in a Crash Caused by Negligence

If you've been hurt in a collision, your first priority is medical care. Get checked out even if you feel okay. Some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Document everything: take photos of the scene, get the other driver's information, and collect witness contact details if possible.

Next, contact a car accident lawyer before talking to insurance companies. Adjusters will try to minimize your claim or get you to accept a lowball settlement. We've been doing this for many years, and we know how to counter their tactics. Your personal injury claim is worth more than they'll initially offer.

Don't wait too long. Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming each have statutes of limitations that limit how long you have to file a lawsuit. Depending on which state you live in that we service, you have two to 4 years, but it's always better to act sooner. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies dig in. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer early in the process protects your rights and maximizes your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Call 911, get medical attention, document the scene with photos, exchange information with the other driver, and contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Don't admit fault or give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice.

How do I prove the other driver was at fault?

Evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and accident reconstruction can establish fault. An experienced accident injury lawyer knows how to gather and present this evidence effectively to prove the causes of car accidents in your specific case.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, in most cases. Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming all follow modified comparative negligence rules. As long as you're less than 50% or 51% at fault (depending on the state), you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. A car accident lawyer can explain how this applies to your situation.

How much is my car accident case worth?

Every case is different. Compensation depends on your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other factors. The causes of car accidents matter too. Cases involving drunk driving or reckless behavior often result in higher settlements.

Do I really need a lawyer for my accident claim?

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same. Studies show that accident victims who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who go it alone.

Get Legal Help from a Trusted Car Accident Attorney

Understanding the causes of car accidents is important, but it doesn't undo the harm you've suffered. What matters now is holding the negligent driver accountable and getting the compensation you deserve. We've spent decades in courtrooms across Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming fighting for people just like you.

You don't pay attorney fees unless we win your case. That's our promise. We work on contingency, which means there's easy access for you to get top-tier legal representation. We handle everything from dealing with insurance companies to taking your case to trial if necessary.

Call Metier Law Firm at 866-377-3800 or schedule your free consultation today at www.metierlaw.com.

Disclaimer: Past results discussed should not be considered a guarantee of your results as the factors of every case are individually unique. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney from Metier Law Firm regarding your individual situation for legal advice.

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