The California High Patrol (CHP) recently released data that included key statistics regarding the biggest causes of car accidents in the state of California. Being aware of these common causes of auto accidents can assist in minimizing your chances of getting involved in a car accident. Moreover, if the unexpected does occur (which often it does, hence the name), you should seek assistance from an experienced California car accident attorney to help you optimize your chances of settling your claim. Having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side will help ensure you get the compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve suffered. Read on to learn more about the most common causes of car accidents here in California.

Top Causes Of Car Accidents In California

1. Speeding:  Speeding remains the number one reason why cars get into accidents in California. Over 50,000 speed-related accidents unfortunately occur annually in the state. And no wonder; speeding gives drivers less time to react, increasing the risk of car accidents and making the damage more severe when an accident does happen.
2. Driving while distracted: Driving while eating, scrolling on your cell phone, texting, talking, or playing with the radio will affect concentration. It only takes one second of not having your eyes on the road for something disastrous to happen. Due to the decreased awareness and alertness, distracted driving is a top reason why people get into car accidents. 
3. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Unfortunately, more than 12,000 fatal car accidents in California happen every single year due to drunk driving. Car accidents resulting from drunk driving are often fully avoidable by having a sober friend drive, calling a taxi or rideshare, or even using a free program like the Safe and Sober Free Cab Ride Home program. If you’ve suffered damages or injuries due to a drunk driver, our firm can help you get restitution. 
4. Not following traffic rules and laws: Following behind too closely or making illegal U-turns are only a few examples of bad traffic behaviors that could result in some serious car accidents. Not driving in a reasonable manner or following traffic rules unfortunately results in hundreds of accidents in California every single year. 
5. Not being aware of the driving environment: Many car accidents result from drivers who aren’t paying attention to weather conditions, roadblocks, traffic signs or signals, pedestrians, or other drivers on the road. 
6. Manufacturer problems: Auto manufacturers are held to extremely strict standards for the cars they produce and sell to drivers. However, there are instances where one or several of the vehicle parts may fail, causing serious accidents and injuring drivers and passengers through no fault of their own.
7. Poor road conditions: State and local governments are responsible for maintaining roads, but sometimes they may not do so adequately, especially in certain parts of California. Issues like unexpected elevation changes, potholes, and missing warning signs may cause drivers to lose control of their cars and crash. 

Contact Us Today

Car accidents can be extremely devastating, and even minor crashes can seriously disrupt your life. While you can reduce your risk of getting in a car accident and getting hurt through evading the poor driving behaviors we discussed above, accidents do happen, and sometimes it’s not even your fault. If you get into a California car accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to help you navigate the case. Call the Law Office Of Ball & Yorke to schedule a consultation with a top California auto accident attorney today.