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Home > Personal Injury > Accidents > Auto > Causes of Auto Accidents
Auto Accident Attorneys
in Denver and throughout Colorado and Wyoming
Causes of Auto Accidents
You can reduce your risk of being involved in an auto accident by being aware of some of the common causes.
Click to view our video about "Rollover Accidents"
Defective vehicle
Design flaws such as those which cause SUVs to be more likely to roll, faulty tires, and other defects which drivers have no control over, can cause accidents. Vehicles which are sold with defective parts are often recalled, but the recall may not be issued before accidents occur, or the recall information may not reach all vehicle owners. A vehicle may also be defective due to vehicle owner negligence, such as failure to maintain brakes.
Defective roadway
Roadway defects can include a wide variety of preventable road conditions which often lead to accidents. Malfunctioning traffic lights, poorly designed or poorly maintained roads, and inadequate warning signs are just a few examples. Accidents caused by defective roadways often appear to be caused by driver error.
Distracted drivers
We spend so much time on the road that it is easy for driving to become second nature. Distractions are readily available and too many drivers simply do not devote their full attention to the road. Many accidents are caused by distractions such as:
- Cell phone use
- Attending to children
- Eating and drinking
- Rubbernecking
- Looking at scenery
- Retrieving dropped objects
Accidents caused by cell phone use have received enough public attention that laws are being created to help minimize the problem, but they may not be effective. Most of these laws prohibit the use of a hand-held phone, but allow hands free devices to be used while driving. However, some studies indicate that hands free cell phone conversations are just as distracting. Even if laws against any kind of cell phone use while driving are passed, they will be virtually impossible to enforce.
Impaired drivers
We often think of impaired drivers as those who drive under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. Other factors such as fatigue, road rage, and even age can cause impairment that is just as dangerous. If the appropriate tests are conducted immediately after an accident, impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or medications is fairly easy to detect. Strict laws with harsh penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol have been passed in recent years and deaths caused by drunk driving have been steadily decreasing. Unfortunately, impairment which is not caused by a substance is much more elusive. Evidence that a driver was impaired by fatigue or road rage, can be very difficult to obtain.
Hazardous weather
Weather conditions such as fog, snow, rain, and high winds can create driving hazards including:
- Reduced visibility
- Slick or icy roads making it difficult or impossible to slow down or steer
- Standing water causing hydroplaning
The only sure way to avoid a weather-related accident is to stay off the roads during hazardous weather. Most of us do not have that luxury, but can reduce the risks by slowing down, paying close attention to the behavior of other vehicles, and only driving vehicles which are properly equipped for the weather, such as a four wheel drive with good snow tires when it is snowing or icy.
Excessive speed
Driving too fast not only makes an accident more likely to occur, it results in a more serious accident. Whether excessive speed is a common primary cause of accidents or not is a matter of some debate and controversy. What we do know is that it increases the chances of an accident when other accident causing factors are present.
Obstacles in road
Animals running out into the road, debris from other vehicles, and falling rocks are just a few of the obstacles which can appear suddenly in the road. Accidents caused by these hazards can be the result of a direct impact with the obstacle, but more often are the result of evasive maneuvers. Drivers who brake and swerve to avoid collision may veer into oncoming traffic, run off the road, or be struck from behind by another vehicle.
Most auto accidents involve a combination of causes, usually when a distracted or impaired driver encounters a second factor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accident Lawsuits
Personal Injury: Auto Accidents
What to Do If You Are In an Auto Accident
Auto Accidents: Defective Roadways
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in an auto accident in Colorado, Wyoming or anywhere in the Rocky Mountain region, you will need an experienced auto accident lawyer to represent you. Burg Simpson has the experience, and the resources, to ensure that you can recover the damages you deserve for your injuries and your losses. Please call or email our auto accident attorneys today to schedule your free personal consultation.
