According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 39,345 traffic fatalities occurred in the United States in 2024. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 2.6 million emergency department visits for injuries stemmed from motor vehicle crashes in 2022. Common causes of motor vehicle accidents include speeding and distracted driving, but other, less common reasons, such as damage caused by wildlife or mechanical defects, account for many others.
Understanding how a car crash happened is essential to determining who is responsible for it. California is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the victim’s damages, including their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Here is what you need to know about the most and least common causes of car accidents in California.
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
The most common reason for car crashes is driver error. This includes the following:
Not Obeying Traffic Signs or Signals
Drivers might violate traffic signals and signs in various ways, such as running red lights or stop signs, trying to beat yellow lights, or failing to adjust their speed in school or construction zones.
Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way
A common location for car accidents is intersections. Many auto crashes occur because drivers do not yield the legal right-of-way to other motorists who have it. When they violate traffic rules, other drivers may not anticipate their negligent actions, leading to car accidents.
Speeding
Speeding increases the distance required to stop completely once a driver recognizes a hazard. It also makes it more likely that the driver will lose control of the motor vehicle and that injuries will be more severe.
Impaired Driving
California drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs suffer from various deficits, such as:
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered inhibitions
- Delayed response time
- Difficulty tracking multiple objects at one time
- Blurry vision
- Greater likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving, their eyes off the roadway, their hands off the steering wheel, or any combination of these. Common forms of distracted driving include the following:
- Texting while driving
- Making or receiving phone calls
- Watching videos
- Engaging with the infotainment system
- Adjusting audio or temperature controls in the vehicle
- Eating or drinking
- Inputting GPS data
- Talking to passengers
- Looking out the window
- Tending to children or pets in the car
- Picking up fallen items
Less Common Reasons for Auto Accidents
Some of the more surprising reasons for car crashes include the following:
Driver Fatigue
Tired drivers mimic many of the same signs as drunk drivers and may suffer from recognition, decision, or performance mistakes that compromise safe driving.
Various factors can contribute to driver fatigue, including:
- Late shift work
- Long hours of travel
- Inconsistent schedules
- Lack of sleep
- Sleep conditions, such as sleep apnea
- Prescription or over-the-counter medication use
Medical Issues
Some accidents occur because drivers have a medical emergency while driving, such as a heart attack or seizure. These drivers can lose control of the vehicle and crash into other motorists.
Drivers may have various medical conditions that impede their ability to safely drive, such as vision problems, narcolepsy, or conditions that affect response times.
Inexperienced Driving
Inexperienced drivers, such as those newly licensed, may not react quickly enough to avoid a hazard because they have not yet developed the skills or reflexes needed. They may misjudge the speeds or distances of other drivers and turn in front of them.
Elderly drivers or those who have not driven in a while – such as those who primarily relied on public transportation until recently – may also be a risk. Driving is a skill, so lapses in using this skill can cause a driver’s abilities to become rusty.
Reckless Driving
Some drivers act aggressively while behind the wheel. They may drive at excessive speeds, tailgate, brake suddenly, swerve in and out of lanes, and make other aggressive driving maneuvers that jeopardize the safety of other motorists.
Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions contribute to many accidents throughout the country each year. Rain, ice, sleet, snow, and hail can make roadways wet and slippery, causing cars to hydroplane or lose traction. Fog and rain can decrease visibility, while high winds can physically move vehicles. Glare from the sun can also cause blurry vision and make it difficult for motorists to see.
Mechanical Issues
Vehicle issues can contribute to accidents and serious injuries when they cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle or impair their ability to recognize potential hazards. Potential mechanical problems that can contribute to auto accidents include the following:
- Faulty brakes
- Blown tires
- Suspension system issues
- Problems with the engine or transmission
Vehicle owners are responsible for properly maintaining their vehicles and may be held liable if their poor maintenance contributed to the crash. If mechanics did not properly perform maintenance, they may share responsibility for the resulting crash.
Auto Defects
Auto defects can contribute to crashes when they cause the driver to lose control, don’t prevent accidents, or fail to protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accident. Possible auto defects that can contribute to auto accidents include the following:
- Defective lane maintenance systems
- Tires that don’t retain air
- Seat belts that do not properly restrain passengers
- Airbags that do not deploy
- Roofs that crumble in rollover accidents
Poor Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads can also contribute to accidents when issues are present, such as:
- Potholes and cracked pavement
- Construction zones
- Debris on the roadway
- Uneven pavement
- Sudden dropoffs
- Sharp turns
Various parties can be responsible for accidents caused by these factors, such as the government agency responsible for maintaining the road, construction companies that don’t create a safe environment, or trucking companies that allow cargo to fall off their vehicles.
Wildlife
California drivers may unexpectedly come upon a deer, moose, or other wildlife. By the time they spot these wild animals, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting them and causing significant damage to their vehicles.
How to Determine the Cause of a Car Accident
Personal injury attorneys can conduct an investigation to determine the cause of a car crash. They may collect evidence that proves liability and the underlying cause of the car accident, such as:
- Accident reports
- Photos of the accident scene
- Videos from traffic cameras, dashcams, or CCTV footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Data extracted from event data recorders
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
- Cell phone records
- Medical records
- Maintenance records
Experienced car accident attorneys know how to obtain the evidence necessary to establish fault.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Knowing what caused your car crash is the first step toward recovering fair compensation. An experienced car accident attorney can help gather evidence and prove fault. Contact the law office of Belal Hamideh today for a free consultation.