There are a number of different causes that can lead to a serious auto accident or car wreck. Statistics show that driver distractions are among the most frequent causes of motor vehicle accidents. Cell phones, car radios, navigation systems, and other passengers can cause drivers to take their eyes off of the road, which greatly increases the risk of a crash. Other dangerous driver distractions include eating, putting on makeup or attempting to calm children in the backseat while driving. When drivers are fatigued, they are in danger of falling asleep at the wheel, drifting into other lanes or oncoming traffic, and misjudging traffic situations. In order to avoid accidents, drivers should make sure they are alert and well rested at all times when they are behind the road.  

Driver impairment is another leading cause of auto accidents. A driver can become impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, and legal drugs. When individuals drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, they often become drowsy and have difficulty focusing. In addition, their reaction times slow and they are unable to judge distances accurately, all of which can lead to a catastrophic car accident.

Reckless and unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and failure to yield, also increase the risk that an auto accident will take place. Rubbernecking, or slowing down to look at another accident, can also cause rear end accidents and other kinds of collisions. Frequent lane changes and disregarding traffic signals and stop signs are other examples of unsafe driving behaviors that can lead to accidents.

Auto accidents can also be caused by things that are out of the driver’s control. For instance, a car crash can be caused by a tire blowout, flat tire, axle failure, brake failure or steering mechanism failure. Sometimes defective products are the cause of an auto accident, such as defective tires. In addition, weather conditions such as rain, snow or ice can cause car wrecks.

Poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, and other types of road defects can also make drivers susceptible to car accidents. In these cases, government entities may be held responsible for the accident. Special laws apply to these situations and it is best to cosult a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.