Queen Anne’s County Car Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Millions of people get into their cars every day, put on their seatbelt, and make every effort to follow the rules of the road without thinking twice about it. Others make careless decisions, like texting while driving, speeding, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, even the most responsible driver is not immune to becoming injured in a car accident as some things are simply beyond a driver’s control, including the behavior of other drivers on the road. Millions of crashes are reported each year and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver error is responsible for the vast majority of these crashes.

In some cases, other factors are to blame. Some roads and intersections are statistically more prone to accidents than others. This may be attributed to road design such as sharp turns and steep hills. It may also be a consequence of inadequate signage. Other times, the driver may be unaware that his or her vehicle has a defective part, like a faulty brake system. The following are some of the most common causes of car accidents. As more drivers become aware of what typically causes car accidents, they can take steps to avoid them, keeping themselves and other drivers on the road as safe as possible.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become the top cause of car accidents, and the main cause of driver distraction is the use of smartphones. Too often drivers are unable to resist the temptation to make a call, answer a text, or check social media while they are driving. This is extremely dangerous because when a driver’s attention is not on the road, it only takes a matter of seconds for a tragic wreck to occur. According to the National Safety Council, 25 percent of all car accidents are caused by cell phone use.

Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Too many people are killed in drunk driving car accidents every year. Yet, most of these accidents could have been prevented if the driver simply did not get behind the wheel. Always pick a designated driver if you will be drinking, or make arrangements for a ride home. If you are unable to get a ride, make arrangements to stay the night.

Drowsy Driving

This can be just as dangerous as drunk driving because a person’s ability to react is compromised when they are sleep deprived. Most drowsy driving car accidents occur at night, when it is even more difficult to stay awake. If you are having difficulty staying awake, pull over where it is safe and take a short nap, or stop for some coffee.

Reckless Driving

When an individual does not drive carefully, he or she puts others on the road at risk. Examples of reckless driving include speeding, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, driving through red lights and stop signs, and speeding past another driver, only to pull in front of them and hit the brakes. If you see another driver exhibiting any of these behaviors, keep your distance and report the driver to the police.

Defective Parts

Unfortunately, there are times when an automobile manufacturer sells a car that has defective parts, including tires, brakes, and suspension systems. For example, if you are on a busy highway traveling at a high speed and you have a tire blowout, that can be extremely dangerous. Check online for any recalls so that you can have the part fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

Inclement Weather

Car accidents can happen when roads become wet, icy, and slippery due to rain, snow, ice, or sleet. A driver’s visibility may be compromised by bright sun glare, heavy rain or snow, or debris from windy conditions. It is critical for drivers to adjust their speed and driving behavior to match current driving conditions.

Improperly Maintained Roads

If a driver hits a large pothole that has not been repaired, it can cause damage to the vehicle, including flat tires, which can cause the driver to lose control of the car. Cracks in the road or uneven pavement can also be hazardous to drivers.

Poorly Marked Construction Zones

Drivers should reduce their speed when approaching a construction zone. However, if there is no sign alerting them that a construction zone is ahead, there is a great risk of a car accident.

Queen Anne’s County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Maximum Compensation for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident, contact the Queen Anne’s County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will discuss your options based on the circumstances of the accident, making sure that you receive the best possible financial outcome. For a free consultation, call 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 Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, which includes the towns of Barclay, Centreville, Church Hill, Millington, Queen Anne, Queenstown, Sudlersville, and Templeville.