What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Delaware?
The causes of car accidents are numerous, but they often come down to three things: a driver’s behavior, a problem with the vehicle or road, or a mix of both. In a civil case, determining the cause helps establish who is at fault and who is responsible for your injuries. A Delaware personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your crash and fight to hold the at-fault party accountable. Our attorneys at Pratcher Krayer LLC are proven trial lawyers who will not hesitate to go to court to get you a fair result.
Driver Behavior That Causes Crashes
Most car crashes in Delaware are caused by a driver’s action or inaction. A momentary lapse in judgment or an act of carelessness can have devastating consequences. The most common driver-related causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Taking your eyes or attention off the road for even a second is incredibly dangerous. This includes texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio or navigation system or even eating. When a driver is distracted, they can fail to see a stopped car or a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for conditions reduces the time you have to react to a sudden hazard. Weaving through traffic or running red lights shows a willful disregard for the safety of others and often leads to serious injuries.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a person’s ability to drive. This includes illegal drugs, marijuana or even prescription medication that can make a person drowsy.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigue can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. When a person is exhausted, their reaction time slows and they can struggle to pay attention to the road.
- Failure to yield and traffic signal violations: Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign can cause a T-bone collision in an intersection. Similarly, failing to yield the right-of-way when merging or turning can cause a side-swipe or head-on crash.
- Unsafe lane changes and tailgating: Drivers who change lanes without looking or follow too closely create a high risk of a rear-end collision, especially if traffic stops suddenly.
These are just a few examples of how driver negligence can lead to a serious car accident. Even if a crash seems straightforward, our attorneys can help investigate and prove that the at-fault driver’s actions were the cause of your injuries.
External Factors: Vehicle, Road And Environmental Issues
In some cases, a car accident happens because of factors outside of a driver’s direct control. While a driver might still be partially at fault for not reacting to a hazard, other parties can also be held responsible. These external causes of car accidents can include:
- Weather and hazardous roadways: Heavy rain, snow or fog can make driving difficult and reduce visibility. Moreover, hazardous roadways such as potholes, standing water or black ice can cause a driver to lose control.
- Vehicle defects: A mechanical failure can cause an accident even with a careful driver. This can include a faulty airbag or brakes or a tire that blows out on the highway. In these cases, you may be able to hold the vehicle or parts manufacturer responsible.
- Roadway design or construction hazards: A poorly designed intersection, missing signs or an unmarked construction zone can all lead to an accident. In these cases, you may be able to hold the government agency or construction company liable.
- Debris and wildlife: Hitting debris on the road or an animal like a deer can cause a driver to lose control and swerve into oncoming traffic.
Proving that an outside factor caused your accident can be difficult. As your attorneys, we are committed to thoroughly investigating the accident and identifying all liable parties.
Get The Answers You Need: Call Pratcher Krayer LLC Today
The sheer number of factors that can cause an auto accident can make it hard to know who is at fault. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash caused by someone else’s carelessness, do not hesitate to contact our experienced Delaware injury lawyers for a free consultation. Call us at 302-566-1796 or send us an email to find out how we can help.