What Are Common Examples of Negligence in Car Accidents?

Car accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence worldwide and could often result in injuries, property damage, and, in extreme cases, even fatalities. It is a well-known fact that most of these accidents on the road can be avoided and are often due to the negligence of other drivers on the road. Whether this be due to distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, driving while fatigued, and so much more. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of negligence that lead to car accidents throughout the nation, and how many of these accidents can be avoided in the future. Join the attorneys at the Mutrux Firm as we dive into some of these common examples so you can stay safe on the roads.

Distracted Driving 

With all the distractions available to us while driving, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents nationwide. This type of negligence occurs when a driver is not attentive to the road ahead or other drivers around them, causing an increase in the chance of collisions. Some of the most common types of distracted driving include texting, eating, drinking, or even adjusting the radio or using the infotainment system.

Speeding

Excess speed is one of the leading causes of accidents throughout the country. Speeding occurs when drivers exceed the posted speed limit on the road they’re traveling and could cause life-altering accidents as a result. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to hazards, increases stopping distance, and increases the force of impact should an accident occur. Speeding can increase the injuries vehicle occupants experience in the event of an accident. 

Reckless Driving

There are quite a few different dangerous behaviors that could fall under reckless driving. Some of the most common include aggressive maneuvers such as tailgating, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic. This is extremely dangerous and could put other drivers on the road at risk. This could cause life-threatening accidents 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence is a complete lack of responsibility for yourself and everyone else on the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a grave form of negligence and could impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and overall reaction time. Drivers who get behind the wheel drunk are a danger to both themselves and others on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents occurring on the road.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are put in place for a reason: to keep everyone on the road safe. If a driver breaks even a seemingly minor traffic law, it could result in an accident. Some of the most common types of traffic laws that must be followed include yielding to stop signs, not making illegal turns, failure to yield the right of way to other traffic, and disregarding the speed limits posted on the side of the road. Failure to obey traffic laws puts others at risk and is a complete lack of responsibility on the driver’s part.

Fatigued Driving

Driving a vehicle while drowsy or fatigued can cause driver’s to not be alert to the road in front of them, or the drivers around them. Fatigue could slow reaction times, decrease awareness, and increase the likelihood of drifting out of your lane or falling asleep behind the wheel, which is extremely dangerous to not only yourself, but to the other drivers on the road.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

It is a clear fact that not every vehicle on the road is properly maintained. Lack of maintenance can also contribute to accidents and injuries on the roads nationwide. Some of the most common types of poor vehicle maintenance include driving with bald tires, faulty brakes, blown headlights or taillights, and other issues that could affect the vehicle’s safety and performance. 

Inexperienced or Incompetent Driving

Some drivers are inexperienced and might be negligent due to a lack of skill or knowledge. Drivers who are inexperienced might struggle to navigate complex or busy roadways, have poor judgment, and fail to yield to various hazards, leading to increasing accidents. 

Failure to Adjust to Weather Conditions

When adverse weather situations present themselves, drivers must adjust their speed and driving habits to the conditions. Conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or ice could cause visibility issues, slippery roads, and more. Lack of awareness of these weather conditions can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. 

Failure to Use Turn Signals

Turn signals are a critical aspect of driving, and must be used when turning or changing lanes. Turn signals can help drivers to communicate their intentions to other drivers on the road and the likelihood of accidents.

Legal Implications of Negligence in Car Accidents

Negligence in car accidents is very common. If a car accident is caused by negligence, it is important to identify who is liable for the accident, as those not at fault could be eligible for injuries, property damage, and other losses. Liability typically falls on the negligent party or parties responsible for causing the accident. If you are a victim of a car accident due to another’s negligence, you can seek compensation with the help of an attorney. The following must be true to seek compensation for a car accident:

• Duty of Care: The negligent party owed a duty of care to other road users to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.
• Breach of Duty: The negligent party failed to uphold their duty of care by engaging in reckless or careless behavior on the road.
• Causation: The negligent behavior directly caused or contributed to the accident and resulting injuries or damages.
• Damages: The victim suffered actual harm or losses as a result of the accident, such as physical injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Get in Touch with the Mutrux Firm Today!

Car accidents are almost always caused by some form of negligence. If you have been involved in a car accident and believe you could be entitled to compensation, get in touch with the Mutrux Firm today! Our attorneys are ready and able to handle your case and get you the justice you deserve. Call us at 888-550-4026 or contact us here for your free consultation.