Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents today. With the growing reliance on smartphones and other digital devices, distractions on the road have become a widespread issue. Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving. These distractions can be visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off driving).
One of the most prevalent forms of distraction is texting while driving. This involves all three types of distraction—visual, manual, and cognitive—making it particularly dangerous. Studies show that sending or reading a text can take a driver’s eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. At highway speeds, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field without looking.
Arizona’s Hands-Off Law
In an effort to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety, Arizona implemented the Hands-Off Law, which took full effect in January 2021. This law, officially known as the Arizona Hands-Free Law, specifically targets the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, making it illegal to hold or use a mobile device, such as a smartphone, for any reason while operating a vehicle.
The legislation was driven by a growing number of accidents caused by drivers distracted by their phones. Studies showed that Arizona had a higher rate of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers compared to other states. In response, lawmakers sought to curb these incidents by banning behaviors that divert attention away from the road.
Speeding
Speeding remains one of the most common and dangerous causes of car accidents, both in Arizona and across the nation. Driving above the posted speed limit not only increases the risk of accidents but also the severity of the resulting injuries. In fact, the faster a vehicle travels, the more time it takes to react to obstacles or changes in traffic conditions, drastically reducing the driver’s ability to avoid collisions.
The Risks of Speeding
When a vehicle is speeding, the chances of being involved in a crash increase significantly. This is due to several key factors:
- Reduced Reaction Time: Speeding drivers have less time to react to unexpected situations. Whether it’s a pedestrian crossing the road, another car stopping suddenly, or a sharp turn ahead, higher speeds make it more difficult to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Increased Impact Force: The faster a car travels, the greater the force of impact during a crash. Even a relatively small increase in speed can significantly amplify the severity of the accident, leading to more catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
- Loss of Vehicle Control: At higher speeds, vehicles become harder to control, especially when making sudden maneuvers. This is particularly dangerous when navigating curves or avoiding obstacles. Speeding drivers are also more likely to lose control on wet or uneven road surfaces.
- Increased Stopping Distance: Speeding significantly increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle. If a driver is speeding and needs to brake suddenly, they may not have enough time or space to stop, leading to rear-end collisions or crashes with obstacles.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is an often underestimated but significant cause of car accidents. Fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making abilities, and overall awareness, creating a level of impairment similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that thousands of crashes annually are caused by drowsy drivers, many of which result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Unlike other forms of impaired driving, drowsiness often sneaks up on drivers. They may not realize how tired they are until it’s too late. This makes drowsy driving particularly dangerous, as it impairs both physical and cognitive functions necessary for safe driving.
Impact of Car Accidents
Car accidents, regardless of their severity, have far-reaching consequences that affect more than just the vehicles involved. From physical injuries to financial and emotional tolls, the impact of a car accident can be life-altering for everyone involved. Understanding these effects is crucial not only for victims but also for those seeking compensation through legal avenues. In Arizona, car accidents can have significant repercussions on individuals and families, and the long-term impact of these events is often underestimated.
Common Car Accident Injuries
The most immediate and visible impact of car accidents is physical injury. Injuries sustained in car crashes range from minor bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash: A common injury in rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and back. This can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term discomfort.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in more serious accidents, especially in high-speed collisions. Depending on the location and severity, broken bones can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or total paralysis, which can permanently alter the victim’s life. Spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical care, therapy, and adjustments to daily living.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are one of the most severe consequences of car accidents, potentially leading to memory loss, cognitive issues, and long-term disabilities.
- Internal Injuries: In some cases, injuries to internal organs may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Internal bleeding, damage to the liver, lungs, or kidneys can result from the impact of a crash.
Legal Consequences and Compensation
Car accidents can also lead to a complex legal process for those seeking compensation for their losses. In Arizona, the concept of comparative negligence applies, meaning that each party involved in the accident may bear a percentage of the fault. This percentage impacts the amount of compensation a victim can receive.
Working with a skilled personal injury attorney is essential for navigating the legal system and ensuring fair compensation. Attorneys like those at Brad Johnson Injury Law specialize in helping car accident victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. They can also help victims deal with insurance companies, who may try to minimize or deny claims.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. In the immediate aftermath, it’s crucial to stay calm and take the appropriate steps to protect your safety, preserve evidence, and ensure you’re in a strong position to make a legal claim if necessary. The following steps outline what to do after a car accident to minimize confusion and safeguard your rights.
Call Law Enforcement
In Arizona, you are required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Even in minor accidents, calling the police is a smart move, as they can document the scene and provide an official accident report, which will be vital when filing an insurance claim or a legal case.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Once the immediate dangers have passed, it’s important to exchange information with the other drivers involved. Make sure to get the following details:
- Names and contact information of all drivers.
- Driver’s license numbers.
- License plate numbers.
- Insurance company names and policy numbers.
- Make, model, and color of all vehicles involved.
Consult with an Attorney
In the event of a serious car accident, particularly one that results in injuries, consulting with a personal injury attorney like Brad Johnson Injury Law is a crucial step. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Top Arizona Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue, the aftermath of a collision is often overwhelming, with medical bills, insurance claims, and legal complications piling up. Understanding the common causes of accidents and knowing the right steps to take after a crash can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. At Brad Johnson Injury Law, we are committed to standing by your side, ensuring that negligent drivers are held accountable and that you receive the compensation necessary to recover fully. Contact us today for a free consultation—let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.