Car crashes can happen in the blink of an eye but have consequences that linger for years to come. By knowing some of the common causes of accidents, you can anticipate danger before it strikes and protect yourself in the event that you cannot avoid it. If you’ve been involved in a crash and need legal help, it’s essential to contact a car crash lawyer right away to discuss your options.
1. Light Conditions for Crashes
Poor lighting is one of the top reasons for car crashes, especially at night, during dawn, or at dusk, when visibility is lower. In these conditions, it’s harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, which increases the risk of an accident. Glare from headlights or the sun can make it harder to see the road.
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that about 54 percent of fatal collisions occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. when light conditions are sub-optimal.
2. Weather Conditions for Crashes
Bad weather can make roads slippery or reduce how far you can see, which leads to accidents. Heavy rain, snow, fog, and ice all make it more difficult to drive safely. Wet roads can cause you to lose traction, while fog can limit visibility. Even extreme heat can cause issues like tire blowouts.
The Road Weather Management Program of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) estimates that about 21 percent of all traffic accidents are weather-related – some 1.24 million collisions annually.
3. Road Surface Conditions for Crashes
The condition of the road can also be a significant factor in crashes. Potholes, debris, gravel, or poorly marked construction zones can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
As an example to underscore the importance of good road surface conditions, USDOT notes that roadways must have a certain level of pavement friction to be safe. The department notes that while horizontal curves account for just 5 percent of the country’s total highway network, they’re the site of some 23 percent of fatal collisions.
4. Other Factors That Contribute to Crashes
By far, the leading cause of car accidents in Texas and the United States is driver error. Whenever Texas police officers respond to a crash, they take note of the contributing factors as they understand them. According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s latest annual report, the leading causes of crashes statewide were as follows:
- Failure to control speed: 135,737 crashes
- Driver inattention: 83,726 crashes
- Changed lane when unsafe: 49,410 crashes
- Failure to drive in a single lane: 44,290 crashes
- Failure to yield when turning left: 36,509 crashes
If any of these factors led to the accident that injured you, a car crash injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. Burch Law Firm, a trusted car crash law firm, has served the people of Comal County since 1990. Contact us today for a free consultation with a New Braunfels, TX dangerous road conditions attorney, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
