According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 94% of accidents are caused by driver error. These errors may be related to:
- Failure to recognize a potential crash hazard
- An error in decision making
- A driver performance error such as speeding or texting while driving
- Other potential hazardous factors, such as roadway defects or altered traffic patterns
While driver error accounts for the vast majority of car accidents, vehicle failure and environmental conditions also account for a combined 4% of accidents, according to the NHTSA. These statistics show that the vast majority of motor vehicle accidents are the result of poor driving, also known as negligence.
Other Drivers Are the Main Road Safety Threat in Traffic Accidents
The NHTSA’s analysis of accident causation touches on the many ways that drivers can cause car crashes. The broad categories of behavior that may cause a crash include:
- Failure to recognize conditions that could cause an accident such as a pothole, pedestrian, bicycle, or another vehicle
- Poor decision making by drivers that is likely to increase the risk of an accident like driving while drowsy, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving too fast in light of roadway conditions
- Physical maneuvers (performance errors) that result in an accident such as moving into traffic from a parking space or making unsafe lane changes or turns
- Non-performance-related errors such as poor highway design or construction errors
More specific behaviors that fall within the “failure to recognize” category include:
- A driver being distracted by talking on the phone, texting, or eating
- Not paying adequate attention to the road for other reasons
- Being distracted by children or other passengers
Poor decision-making behaviors include:
- Speeding or rushing to get to another location
- Making illegal driving maneuvers such as unsafe U-turns
- Misjudging other motorists’ speed
- Misjudging the distance between vehicles and objects
Some physical maneuvers that could cause a car accident include:
- Veering into another vehicle’s lane
- Overcorrecting after turning or changing lanes
- Moving into traffic from a stopped position
The lawyers at Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP have decades of experience proving that the other side was at fault for the accident. If we accept your case, we will immediately begin an investigation to determine what factors caused your accident and obtain the following if available:
- Police and incident reports
- Photographs of the accident location and vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- Video from traffic or security cameras at the location of the accident
Drivers Often Fail To Adapt to Road Conditions
One of the main causes of car accidents involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists results from driving without considering the actual road conditions at the time of the accident. Generally, these conditions include:
- The presence of pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles
- The presence of construction zones, roadway defects, or altered traffic patterns
- Bad weather and wet surfaces
Bad weather can be particularly troublesome, as it can impact:
- Visibility
- Your vehicle’s grip on the road for stopping or turning
- Your ability to maintain control of your vehicle
The NHTSA reports that rain, snow, and ice are among the road conditions that require you to adjust your driving behaviors. Some precautions that may be necessary when such conditions are expected include:
- Ensuring that your windshield wipers are adequate and functional
- Checking your car’s ability to defrost its windshield
- Slowing your speed
- Turning on your headlights, and in some conditions your hazard lights
- Increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you
- Accelerating slowly in wet conditions to avoid hydroplaning
FAQs
What are the most common causes of car accidents in New York?
Yes, several common factors contribute to car accidents in New York. Causes often relate to Negligence and Duty of Care, which require drivers to act responsibly on the road. Common examples include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and driving under the influence. Weather conditions and road hazards may also play a role. When a driver fails to meet their duty, they may be held liable for resulting damages. Time limits vary — contact an attorney immediately. Identifying the cause is important for determining fault and compensation.
Can driver negligence affect liability in a car accident case?
Yes, driver negligence plays a major role in determining liability after a car accident. Under Comparative Negligence and Causation, fault may be shared between multiple parties based on their actions. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can help establish responsibility. Time limits vary — contact an attorney immediately. Understanding how negligence is assigned can impact the outcome of your claim.
Are external factors like weather or road conditions considered causes of accidents?
Yes, external factors like weather and road conditions can contribute to car accidents in New York. Legal concepts such as Causation and Duty of Care still apply, as drivers must adjust their behavior to road conditions. Poor visibility, slippery roads, or construction zones can increase accident risk. However, drivers may still be held responsible if they fail to act reasonably under those conditions. Liability may also involve other parties responsible for road maintenance. Time limits vary — contact an attorney immediately. Evaluating all contributing factors is key in a claim.
Auto Accidents Can Cause Serious Personal Injuries or Death
Whether you were a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, if you sustain any of the below injuries, you may be entitled to substantial monetary compensation if another driver was at fault for the accident:
- Fractured bones
- Head injuries including concussion or brain damage
- Torn ligaments
- Spinal injuries
- Disfiguring scars
- Loss of a limb or organ
- Inability to work for an extended time
- Death