Car Accident Overview

Every two seconds in the United States a car accident occurs. An alarming statistic to be sure, but even more alarming is that most of these accidents could have been prevented if one or both of the drivers had exercised some common sense in avoiding the most common causes of car accidents.

Aggressive Drivers

Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. Speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and other aggressive behaviors can dramatically increase your likelihood of being involved in an accident.

Sleepy Drivers

People who drive while drowsy account for over 100,000 accidents and approximately 1,600 deaths a year on America's highways. Drowsiness can cause a driver to drift out of their lane or off the road, miss critical traffic signals, or slow their reaction time - significantly increasing the odds of becoming involved in an accident.

Distracted Drivers

Drivers who are distracted are the leading cause of all car accidents. Slowing down to gawk at another accident, cell phone use, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, talking to passengers, and a variety of other activities can prevent a driver from focusing on the road.

Drunk Drivers

Recent statistics have shown that over 40% of all highway deaths are caused by drunk drivers, and they are the cause of almost half of all car accidents. To break it down further, drunk drivers are solely responsible for one death every half hour of every day in the United States.

Exercising caution while driving can help you avoid becoming involved in a traffic accident, but your safety is also in the hands of your fellow drivers. If you are injured or someone you love is killed in a car accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver, a personal injury or wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal rights.