Top Causes of Car Accidents in Carroll County

By definition, accidents are unexpected, unintended events that usually result in some type of damage or injury. Unfortunately, car accidents happen all too often, and can cause massive property damage and serious, sometimes fatal injuries. Close to 35,000 people are killed in car accidents every year in the United States, and thousands more are injured, even with today’s advanced safety technology. Many of these crashes are preventable if people make smart choices before getting behind the wheel. While some types of car accidents cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of being injured in any type of wreck.

Most car accidents are caused by some degree of driver error. Others are beyond the driver’s control. The following are some of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States, from two-lane country roads to busy interstate highways.

Driver Behavior

  • Distracted Driving: Texting or talking on the phone while driving, eating, smoking, adjusting the radio, reaching for object in the car, and talking to other passengers are all examples of distracted driving. A serious collision can occur in the few seconds that you take your eyes off the road.
  • Drunk Driving: Studies show that people who drive drunk are 900% more likely to be in a wreck. Always choose a designated driver if you are going to be drinking, or make sure that you arrange for a ride home. 
  • Drowsy Driving: If you have not gotten enough sleep, driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. If you start to feel tired, pull over, get some fresh air or something to eat, or find a place to take a quick nap.
  • Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights or stop signs, sending rude gestures or verbal abuse, and deliberately preventing another driver from moving their vehicle are all examples of reckless driving, which can cause serious car accidents.

Inclement Weather

  • Snow, rain, and ice can cause roads to become slick and dangerous
  • Sun glare, heavy snow and rain, and fog can affect visibility
  • High mile per hour winds can make it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle

Roadway Maintenance

  • Debris on the road, including fallen trees, power lines, and large rocks are the responsibility of the local highway department to move. They can cause car accidents for motorists who do not see the debris until too late.
  • Potholes can cause tire blowouts and other damage, which can cause a crash if the driver loses control of the vehicle, or tries to swerve to avoid the pothole.
  • Construction zones are sometimes not properly marked, so drivers may fail to reduce their speed, which may cause them to rear end the car in front of them.

Equipment Failure

  • Brakes: If the vehicle’s brakes fail, it can become very dangerous very quickly. Luckily, today’s cars are equipped with anti-lock brakes, which prevent the wheel from locking during an emergency.
  • Tires: Even with today’s radial tires, underinflated, uneven, or worn out tires can lead to tire failure, which can cause serious accidents.
  • Steering and Suspension: When these systems fail, particularly at high speeds, it can have devastating consequences. Have a mechanic check your vehicle regularly to make sure systems are in proper working order.

Carroll County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, whether it was caused by driver negligence or other factors like weather or dangerous road conditions, you are urged to contact the Carroll County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Our dedicated team will seek the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers, call us today 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 throughout Carroll County, which includes the towns of Hampstead, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Sykesville, Taneytown, Union Bridge, and Westminster, Maryland.