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All the Causes of Car Crashes (That You Did and Didn’t Know)

On Behalf of | Aug 24, 2018 | Car Accidents

By Pendergast Law on August 24, 2018

As we drive by a car wreck, many of us (even though most would deny it) slow down to look. We try to make out exactly what happened; we try to recreate the history of the crash in our heads. Was it one careless driver, was it both, or did everyone do what they were supposed to, but ended up in this predicament nonetheless?

There are no simple answers when it comes to car accidents. Yet car accidents are a common occurrence, especially in a busy state like Washington.

There are many potential causes of vehicle accidents in Washington, and the main ones seem to be new-age distractions. Why do so many people believe that they possess some sort of magical multitasking abilities while driving? Ever caught yourself being so distracted behind the wheel that you all of a sudden stop and think, “Wow, it’s a miracle that I haven’t gotten into an accident in the past 10 minutes.”

People browse through Spotify, answer text messages, check Instagram, put on lipstick, or pluck an unruly chin hair, all the while eating breakfast burritos and sipping on a Starbucks. How can a driver expect to safely maneuver a 4,000-pound machine when his eyes continuously dart off the road?

All the Car Accident Causes

There are many common causes that contribute to car accidents. Here are the big ones:

  • Drunk driving: Drunk driving has long been touted as one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. And in 2018, there’s simply no excuse for it. We are saturated with Ubers, Lyfts, buses, taxis, and trains. Getting behind the wheel drunk is like trying to ace a math quiz while half awake. Your ability to focus is diminished, and your response time is greatly slowed down.
  • Distracted driving: We’re living in the age of cellphones, and it’s almost impossible to drive and not be distracted. Our phones hold so much entertainment, and connect us to loved ones. But distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds and you might never open them again.
  • Drowsy driving: This one is very dangerous because it happens so fast. You’re driving at night, you’re tired, but you’re almost at home so you don’t want to pull over to take a nap. One second your eyes are open, next second they’re closed before you even know it. You may wake up as you crash into the car in front of you, all in a matter of seconds.
  • Teenage drivers: There’s a reason the phrase “young and reckless” came to be, and it’s because young people are prone to taking risks. Without life experience, they may not think about what the consequences of their actions could be. Add a few distracting friends to the mix, and you have a recipe for a car crash.
  • Nighttime: Driving at night is dangerous for many reasons. Our ability to see is diminished at night, so it’s harder to spot pedestrians or animals crossing the road. It can be difficult to see what’s in front of you, so slow down.
  • Animals: As cute as they are, they can also be highly unpredictable. Wild animals do not care that you’re going 80mph when they’re trying to cross the road.
  • Weather: Rain, snow, black ice…any of these weather conditions can increase the chances of a car accident.
  • Loss of control: Driving aggressively, taking sharp turns, trying to overcorrect…these can all result in a loss of control of the vehicle.
  • Speeding: You might feel like a movie stuntman doing it, and you might be getting to places faster, but chances are if you get into an accident it will be much worse if you’re speeding.
  • Running red lights: It’s amazing how many people think they can squeeze in on a red light. Red means stop. If you try to make a run for it, chances are you will hurt yourself and someone else. You might also face a lawsuit if someone decides to sue you.

After Being Hit by Another Driver, Call a Lawyer

Car accidents can be extremely stressful and unpleasant, especially when they involve bad injuries, trips to the hospital, and time lost from work. You might not know what to do after getting into a bad wreck, or how to go about getting compensation when another reckless driver crashes into you. Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., is here to fight on your behalf.

The skilled Seattle car accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., know how to prove liability and hold at-fault drivers accountable for the damages they cause, including your medical bills and your lost wages. If you or a loved one have been injured in a vehicle accident in Washington, contact us today at 888-539-9211 for a free, comprehensive case assessment.

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