What are the most common causes of Car Accidents in California?

Each year, residents of California are involved in hundreds of thousands of car accidents. In 2014, The Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) cited over 162,000 vehicle accidents in the state that resulted in injuries. The number of fatalities listed per 100,000 people in California in 2014 was 7.9 according to the SWITRS. Understanding the causes of these accidents is essential in reducing the chances that you will be involved in a motor vehicle collision.

Speeding

It can be tempting to go a little faster than the speed limit allows when you are running the risk of being late. Unfortunately, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, speeding is one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes in the state of California. When a driver increases their speed, they increase the likelihood of a crash by reducing their own reaction time.

Alcohol

When a driver gets behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol, they are greatly increasing the probability of a car accident. The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles claims that more than 23,000 injuries and over 1,000 deaths were caused by alcohol in 2012. Moreover, 39% of all motor vehicle related deaths in California were caused by drunk drivers (in 2012).

Distractions

With busy commutes and fast-paced lifestyles, drivers increasingly rely upon their smartphones as part of their daily lives. Unfortunately, drivers often allow themselves to become distracted by checking their phones while they are driving. In addition to cell phone distractions, eating, talking to passengers and playing with the radio station can all contribute to distracting a driver. California’s Office of Traffic Safety estimates that at least 80% of car accidents in California are caused by distracted drivers.

Other Factors

Although drivers can take steps to reduce the number of accidents they have, sometimes vehicle collisions are not the fault of the driver. One common cause of accidents is manufacturer defects. When a car is designed poorly, it can have faulty brakes, a damaged steering wheel or broken accelerators. Another common cause of accidents beyond the control of a driver is the condition of the road. Poor road conditions greatly increase a driver’s chances of having an accident.

What to Do When You’ve Had an Accident

Following a vehicle accident, it is very common for drivers to seek a car accident and personal injury lawyer, and there’s a good reason. Both victims and those who are concerned about being held liable for injuries sustained in an accident frequently benefit from the advice of an experienced attorney. Legal compensation for damage and medical bills are among the options you will want to discuss with your lawyer after an accident. If you live in Santa Rosa, California, contact us at The Cartwright Law Firm. We will listen to the details of your case and help create a legal plan of action for you and your family. Call us today to speak to one of our experienced car accident and personal injury attorneys and we will work with you to get the best possible outcome.

For more information on our Santa Rosa Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer, please visit our site.