Common Causes of Car Accidents in Baltimore County

Whether you are a brand new driver who just passed your driving test, or you are a seasoned driver with decades of experience behind the wheel, you can get into a car accident when you least expect it. Even if you are the most responsible driver who obeys all traffic laws, you cannot control how other people drive, nor can you control the weather, or unpredictable road conditions, all of which can cause car accidents. Every day, millions of Americans are injured, or lose their lives in car accidents on roads and busy highways across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error is responsible for the vast majority of accidents. As drivers, the more we know about the potential hazards and how to avoid them, the more likely we are to remain safe and unharmed.

Causes of Driver Error Car Accidents

The following are examples of car accidents that are caused by driver error:

  • Distracted Driving: As the technology surrounding cell phones has become widespread, too many drivers feel the need to remain constantly connected, either by talking or texting while driving. Other examples of distracted driving include eating, putting on makeup, checking the GPS, and talking to other passengers. When your attention is not on the road where it belongs, it only takes a matter of a few seconds for a tragic accident to occur.
  • Driving Through Red Lights or Stop Signs: Whether you are in a hurry or simply impatient, never run a red light or ignore a stop sign, as you may collide with cars coming from the other direction that have the right of way.
  • Drowsy Driving: This can have a similar effect as drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is responsible for over 100,000 car accidents in the United States each year. Drowsiness can affect a driver’s ability to react to a situation. People who are most at risk for drowsy driving include truck drivers, shift workers, adults with small children, and young, male drivers.
  • Drunk Driving or Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs: It is common knowledge that driving while under the influence is extremely dangerous, yet people continue to do it. Teens are particularly vulnerable to this behavior, because of peer pressure and a general feeling that they are invincible. Always choose a designated driver, or arrange for a ride home if you have had too much to drink.
  • Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, swerving in and out of lanes, and cutting off other drivers are just a few examples of reckless driving. Any one of these can cause a potentially serious wreck. If you see someone driving recklessly, distance yourself from the driver and consider reporting the driver to the police.

Factors of Non-Driver Error Car Accidents in Baltimore

The following are examples of car accidents that are caused by non-driver error:

  • Inclement Weather: Rain, ice, and snow can cause the roads to become slippery, making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. Sun glare, fog, heavy rain, and snow can also affect visibility. Extreme winds can also make driving conditions hazardous.
  • Mechanical Defects: If your car’s brakes, tires, engine, and other systems are not functioning properly, or have not been properly maintained, there is an increased risk of a crash occurring.
  • Other Unpredictable Road Conditions: Fallen trees, power lines, debris, and poorly maintained roads can cause serious car accidents. Extreme weather can cause many of these hazards, so use extra caution when driving in inclement weather, or avoid driving until the weather improves.
  • Potholes: Hitting a pothole can cause tire blowouts, which can make it difficult to maintain control of the car. Avoiding a pothole by quickly swerving out of the way can also cause an accident if you collide with another vehicle.

Baltimore County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of All Types of Car Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, whether it was caused by another driver, or extreme weather conditions, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We have a proven track record of reaching successful outcomes for our clients and we will work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, do not hesitate to call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Baltimore County, including the towns of Arbutus, Baltimore, Bowleys Quarters, Carney, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Garrison, Hampton, Ilchester, Kingsville, Lansdowne, Lochearn, Lutherville, Mays Chapel, Middle River, Milford Mill, Overlea, Owings Mills, Parkville, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Rosedale, Rossville, Timonium, Towson, White Marsh, and Woodlawn, Maryland.