Common Types of Car Accidents that Lead to Lawsuits

If you drive, chances are you’ll be involved in a vehicle accident at some point in your lifetime. While you may be a safe driver, statistics show you’re bound to come across someone driving negligently at some point. In 2020 alone, over 5 million auto accidents resulted in serious injury or property damage on America’s roadways.

Studies show that a whopping 90 percent of these accidents were the result of human error meaning they were caused, or due in part, to someone’s negligence. These are the most common types of car accidents that tend to lead to lawsuits in the United States.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common types of car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving involves taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel, or not concentrating on the task of driving. Unfortunately, people under 25 are at the highest risk of injury or death due to distracted driving.

Driving requires concentration and even small movements, like changing the radio station, cause you to take your eyes off the road. Distracted driving causes almost half a million accidents annually and nearly ten people die every day in auto accidents that occur due to distracted driving. Interestingly, distracted driving shares a dangerous similarity with drunk driving – both involve a lack of focus and can lead to devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an incident, a Tulsa DUI lawyer can provide the necessary legal assistance and guidance.

Tailgating

Tailgating involves checking the car ahead or following too closely which is negligent driving. Tailgating, or following too closely, is one of the most common types of car accidents in America. While tailgating can result in minor fender benders, the results are often disastrous.

People typically don’t admit to tailgating but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all accidents are rear-end collisions. In 2020, over 100,000 people died in rear-end collision accidents because someone was following too closely.

Improper Merge or Lane Change

Nearly 20 percent of severe auto accidents are caused by improper merging or sudden improper lane changes making these ones of the most common types of car accidents that can lead to lawsuits. Reckless lane changes alone cause over 6,000 fatalities every year in America.

It is important to use your blinkers and check your blind spot before merging or changing lanes. People often hit cars they don’t see because of a failure to check their blind spot. Announcing your intentions with your blinker gives other drivers plenty of time to safely make room for you.

Drowsy Driving

Life is busy and sometimes people are just trying to keep up. Everyone is susceptible to the everyday pressures that lead to a lack of sleep. Unfortunately, work-related fatigues and medications can cause people to nod out behind the wheel leading to serious accidents. This can be especially true for people who drive for a living. Drowsy driving is negligent and can cause serious injury or fatality making it one of the most common types of car accidents.

Most Common Types of Car Accidents Are Due to Negligence

Many common types of car accidents can seem unusual at the time but investigations usually reveal some type of human negligence. People who drive have a duty to be responsible on the roads. It’s important to pay attention, get enough rest, and don’t drive too closely. Neglecting these risk factors can lead to serious injury or fatality on America’s roadways.

Related article: How Poor Road Design Causes Car Accidents