Motor vehicle accidents occur all too often, and they frequently result in serious injuries or death for those involved. According to the U.S. General Services Administration, auto collisions cause an average of 115 deaths across the U.S. every day.
Several factors contribute to the occurrence of car crashes, many of which result from human action or error.
Speeding
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, speeding ranks as one of the leading causes of car accidents in the state. This includes driving faster than the posted speed limit in favorable conditions, as well as driving too fast given the weather, road or other conditions. For example, motorists must maintain lower speeds on icy roads to help keep control of their vehicles.
Failing to yield
Failing to yield the road appropriately also commonly contributes to auto wrecks. For instance, two cars get to the intersection at the same time. Rather than yield to the car on the left, one of the motorists decides to proceed, crashing into the driver who had the right of way.
Drunk driving
Despite awareness of the dangers, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs still leads to many crashes across the state each year. Alcohol or drugs often impair people’s ability to safely operate their vehicles.
Following too closely
Tailgating sends the wrong message to others on the road, and it may put drivers at risk for serious accidents. Without adequate space between cars, people may not have the time they need to avoid crashing in the event of road hazards or sudden changes in driving conditions.
In the blink of an eye, the driving behaviors of others may cause serious accidents resulting in injuries or death. Options exist, however, for those who suffer harm in crashes to recover compensation for their injury-associated losses.