Car Accidents: The Most Common Causes
By seriousl May 9, 2022
Car accidents have many causes including driver error and automotive malfunctions. If you have
been involved in an automotive collision, you need to understand the cause of the crash so that
you can be awarded just compensation.
The law offices of Poissant, Nichols, Grue, Vanier & Babbie will appoint an experienced and
reputable Northern New York car accident attorney to help you determine the cause of your
accident and get any damages for which you are owed.
The Most Common Causes of Bad Car Accidents Injuries
Some common causes of accidents are no one’s fault. But many clearly are, and when they are,
fault can be attributed. If we determine the other driver or another party is at fault, Northern
New York car accident lawyers can help.
Driving Distracted
There are many distractions both inside and outside of cars and trucks. Often, when a driver
was distracted by a mobile device, evidence can be obtained that shows the at-fault driver was
driving while distracted. Sometimes the condition of the interior and the nature of the crash
can also lend themselves to evidence gathering. An experienced car accident attorney located
in Northern New York will know what to look for.
Driving Under the Influence
If your Northern New York auto accident attorney finds that another involved driver was
driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs, this too can help secure your claim to
damages. Without legal counsel, such evidence can be difficult or impossible to present in court
to prove the negligence of the other driver.
Bad Weather
In Franklin County, St. Lawrence County, Clinton County and Essex County, poor weather
conditions can and will cause accidents whether or not anyone is really at fault. However, when
those responsible for the condition of the road fail to provide safe driving conditions, and when
a driver does not use greater caution in poor weather conditions, these parties can be held
responsible.
Road Rage
Most drivers will encounter discourteous drivers, drivers with poor driving skills, and respond
with overt anger. Road rage is a well-known phenomenon in which drivers become so enraged
at the behavior of other drivers that they become hostile and even violent. Acting on road rage
is never okay, and those who do may be held responsible.
Reckless Driving
Operating a motor vehicle in a way that intentionally shirks good sense, driver safety, and the
rule of the road is considered reckless driving. Drivers who make unnecessary maneuvers drive
where vehicles are not meant to go and exceed the safe rate of travel for the given location and
conditions may be liable for any damage that results.
Exceeding Safe Speeds
The most common form of reckless driving, speeding is traveling faster than is safe for the
conditions of the road. The speed limit might be quite high on a highway, and it can be as low
as 5mph in especially narrow, constrained driving spaces. The posted speed limit usually
accurately expresses the safe rate of travel and exceeding it is reckless. Sometimes drivers can
be said to have exceeded the safe rate of travel even when they have not exceeded the posted
speed limit.
Light Running
Moving through an intersection when the traffic light is red is well known to be dangerous and
against the law. However, a yellow light means drivers may only pass through the intersection
using caution. Often, drivers speed up to run a yellow light, and this is dangerous. When drivers
cause a crash by running a yellow light, they can be held responsible. This is particularly so in
our villages in Northern New York, such as Canton, Potsdam, Massena, Ogdensburg, Malone,
Massena, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh, and all points in between.
Poor Turn Signaling
Turn signals are not just a courtesy, they are necessary for safe motoring. When drivers fail to
use their turn signals or use them incorrectly, they are likely to cause an accident.
Hazards
Sometimes hazards may be present which are no one’s fault. But if a hazard is caused through
negligence, those responsible for the hazard may be responsible for any resulting damages.
Fatigued Driving
Many drivers suffer from inadequate sleep. When a driver has neglected to rest in the extreme
before getting behind the wheel, it can constitute fault if that driver is involved in a car
accident.
If you have been hurt or suffered losses due to one of these types of car accidents that was not your fault, an auto
accident lawyer can help even if there is no injury. Get in touch with Poissant, Nichols, Grue,
Vanier & Babbie today to speak with a personal injury lawyer who practices right in Northern
NY who will help.