common causes of car accidents
common causes of car accidents
There are a variety of causes of car accidents in Missouri. The most common reason for a car crash is the inattentiveness of the other driver. Examples of distracted behavior can include running stop signs, ignoring stoplights or simply crossing the centerline with the increased usage of cell phones. Other types of causes of car crashes can include inclement weather, which can lead to slippery roadways and difficulty stopping.
If you have suffered in this type of accident, you should work with a car accident attorney in missouri for help with proving liability against the at-fault party. Doing so could result in a compensation claim for damages sustained as a result of the collision.
Collisions Caused by Drunk Drivers
If a car accident in St. Louis County involves a drunk driver, this can change the complexity of the case completely. This is because the defendant is typically charged with a crime which prevents an attorney’s access to that driver tremendously.
The benefits of having a drunk driver involved in a crash is that police officers would probably have arrived on the scene and filed a police report regarding the details of the accident and the inebriated state of the at-fault driver. As a result, the plaintiff may be able to collect a lot of information they not have not been able to get.
High-Speed Accidents in Missouri
When a car crash occurs at a high rate of speed, the injuries can be far more severe. From a legal standpoint, a car accident attorney in missouri could also pursue punitive damages which can lead to higher and faster settlements for the victim. However, this may depend on whether the defendant is charged with a crime or speeding violation and whether it is possible to prove the other driver was speeding at the time of the crash. This would typically require hiring an accident reconstructionist to investigate what the moments leading up to the crash. This could significantly increase the cost of the case.
How have Missouri traffic fatality rates changed over recent years?
Missouri’s traffic fatality rates have experienced notable changes over recent years. From 2013 to 2023, the number of traffic fatalities in Missouri increased by 31 percent, and the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rose by 13 percent. Despite this decade-long increase, there has been some recent improvement: between 2021 and 2023, traffic fatalities decreased by about 2 percent, and the fatality rate per 100 million VMT dropped by 3 percent.
In terms of raw numbers, Missouri saw 1,030 traffic fatalities in 2022, which decreased to 992 fatalities in 2023 according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Preliminary data for 2024 indicates a further decrease, with an estimated 955 fatalities, marking a 3.63% reduction from 2023.
However, the state still faces challenges. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reported that 2022 was the deadliest year since 2006, with 1,057 deaths, highlighting ongoing concerns about risky driving behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and failure to wear seat belts.
In summary:
| Year Range | Trend / Statistic |
|---|---|
| 2013 – 2023 | Fatalities up 31%, fatality rate up 13% |
| 2021 – 2023 | Fatalities down 2%, fatality rate down 3% |
| 2022 | 1,030 fatalities |
| 2023 | 992 fatalities |
| 2024 (prelim.) | Estimated 955 fatalities, 3.63% decrease from 2023 |
| 2022 (Coalition) | Deadliest year since 2006 with 1,057 deaths |
Driving at Night
When a crash occurs at night, it can be far more difficult to obtain evidence from the roadway. This is because the investigation is typically delayed by hours at a minimum due to the difficulty that would come with taking photographs and videos of the roadway. It would also be important to obtain skid marks, yaw marks and other photographs of the scene to determine the vehicle’s speed.
Consult a car accident attorney in Missouri about the Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis County
Suffering an accident through no fault of your own is worth reaching out to an experienced attorney for more information regarding your legal options. A car accident attorney in Missouri could review the details of your crash to determine whether shared liability exists and how much compensation you are owed. In addition, if the at-fault party portrayed egregious behavior worthy of a criminal charge, a lawyer could pursue punitive damages against the negligent individual.
The first step towards obtaining a favorable outcome to your claim is scheduling a free case investigation. Reach out to a trusted attorney today to get started.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents FAQs
FAQ
There are a few Common causes of car accidents questions. Let’s review them below so you can stay informed.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. Activities such as texting, using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio divert drivers’ attention from the road. In 2021, distracted driving was a probable cause in over 17,000 crashes, resulting in thousands of injuries and nearly 90 fatalities. The risk is especially high among younger drivers aged 20 to 29. Missouri’s new hands-free law, effective fully in 2025, aims to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety.
- Speeding is one of the most significant contributors to fatal crashes in Missouri. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases stopping distances, making collisions more severe. In 2021, speeding and aggressive driving were linked to over 500 fatalities in the state. Drivers who exceed posted speed limits are more likely to cause accidents, especially during peak traffic times and on highways.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major cause of crashes in Missouri. In 2021, substance impairment was involved in over 5,400 crashes, including 163 fatal crashes that resulted in 176 deaths. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, significantly increasing the risk of serious accidents. Law enforcement continues to prioritize DUI enforcement, especially during holidays and weekends.
- Failure to yield is the most common cause of car accidents in Missouri, responsible for over 26,000 crashes in 2021. These crashes include property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Many of these incidents occur at intersections or when drivers change lanes improperly. Understanding right-of-way rules and driving defensively can help reduce these types of accidents.