Causes of Car Accidents in Prince George’s County
Millions of car accidents continue to occur every year in the United States, from minor fender benders to serious multi-vehicle collisions. Drivers who make a concerted effort to follow the rules of the road whenever they are behind the wheel are less likely to be involved in car accidents.
However, even the most responsible drivers cannot control inclement weather conditions, other people’s driving behavior, or other factors that are beyond their control. The more drivers understand some of the common causes of car accidents, the better they will be able to take steps to avoid them.
Fortunately, the vast majority of car accidents are preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most traffic accidents are caused by driver error. In fact, talking and texting while driving is responsible for over 25 percent of all car accidents.
Examples of Driver Error Accident Causes
The following are examples of car accidents that are caused by driver error:
- Distracted Driving: Examples of distracted driving include talking, texting, or checking social media while driving, as well as eating, putting on makeup, reaching for something in the back seat, and interacting with other passengers in the car. Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents in this country.
- Drowsy Driving: When motorists are fatigued, getting behind the wheel of a car can be extremely dangerous, particularly if the driver falls asleep at the wheel. Rather than continue driving, motorists should pull over, get some fresh air and some coffee, or take a short nap.
- Drunk Driving: It is a well-known fact that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is reckless and irresponsible. When a driver has had too much to drink, it can affect his or her ability to react quickly to certain situations, making them more likely to cause a serious accident.
- Speeding: Speed limits are put into place for a reason, and exceeding the posted speed limit increases the risk of crashing. In addition, accidents caused by drivers who are speeding tend to result in more extensive injuries and property damage.
- Road Rage: This type of aggressive behavior can become dangerous if the situation escalates. Examples of road rage include tailgating, cutting off the other driver, making rude gestures, aggressively changing lanes, and speeding past other drivers.
Examples of Uncontrollable Factors in Accident Causes
The following are examples of accidents that are caused by factors that are beyond the driver’s control:
- Inclement Weather: When snow, rain, or sleet cause the roads to become slippery or icy, it can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, which can lead to serious car accidents. Even bright sun glare can cause visibility issues, making it very difficult to see, especially during the morning and evening commutes.
- Potholes: If a driver hits a pothole, or tries to avoid one, they can lose control of their vehicle, especially if the pothole causes a tire blowout.
- Construction Zones: Accidents can occur if a construction zone is not properly marked, or if drivers do not pay attention to the reduced speed limit signs or other warnings.
- Defective Parts: Serious accidents can occur if any of an automobile’s parts are defective. Faulty brakes, tires, seatbelts, and airbags can cause devastating, even fatal injuries if the vehicle is involved in a car accident.
Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Car Accident Victims
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact the Prince George’s County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will investigate the details of your case and seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our skilled and experienced team will make sure that your legal rights are protected throughout the entire process. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, 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 injured victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.