Common Car Accident Causes

Attorney Discussing Causes of Car Accidents in Hagerstown, Maryland

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and death across the United States, and Hagerstown, Maryland is no exception. Every day, drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists are exposed to risks on the road. Most accidents are the result of negligence, which may include deliberate violations of the law or carelessness that puts others at risk. Understanding the common causes of car accidents and how liability is determined is essential for those who have been injured.

At Serafini Law, we have experience representing clients in a wide range of motor vehicle accident and personal injury cases. Our skilled lawyer, A.J. Serafini, is here to help injury victims recover compensation for the damages they have suffered. He provides personalized attention and skilled representation, advocating for clients' rights and working to maximize the compensation they can receive.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Hagerstown

Car accidents occur for many reasons, but negligence is often at the root of the problem. Some of the most common reasons for motor vehicle collisions in Hagerstown include:

Distracted Driving

Inattention and attempted multitasking have become some of the most prevalent causes of car accidents nationwide. Drivers who use their phones to text, make calls, or check social media while driving take their eyes off the road, increasing the risk of a crash. Other distractions, such as eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers, can also lead to accidents.

Speeding

Excessive speed is another leading cause of car accidents in Hagerstown. Speed limits are in place to help drivers safely navigate roads and avoid collisions. When drivers exceed these limits, they will have less time to react to unexpected changes or slow down to avoid rear-end collisions. Speeding can not only lead to an accident, but it can also make an accident more severe, and higher speeds may lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Drunk Driving

The use of alcohol or drugs by drivers can be very dangerous. Drunk driving is illegal, and it can significantly increase the risks of a car accident. Intoxicated drivers will experience impairments affecting their reaction times, judgment, and motor skills, making it difficult for them to maintain control while driving.

Despite awareness of these dangers, drunk driving remains a serious issue in Maryland and across the country. Victims of drunk driving accidents may suffer severe injuries or even lose their lives due to another person's reckless decision to drive while they were intoxicated. In these cases, the impaired driver can be held liable for the harm they caused.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Behaviors such as tailgating, running red lights, and making unsafe lane changes are likely to lead to collisions. These actions put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. Drivers who engage in reckless behavior are often in violation of traffic laws, and they can be held accountable for accidents that result from their disregard for safety.

Weather Conditions

Although drivers cannot control the weather, they are still responsible for driving safely in adverse conditions. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can make driving more hazardous. Visibility may be reduced, and it will be more difficult to maintain control while driving. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or who do not take necessary precautions during inclement weather may be held liable for accidents that occur as a result of their negligence.

Parties Who May Be Held Liable for Motor Vehicle Accidents

In many car accident cases, the driver who caused the crash may be held responsible for the injuries and damages suffered by others. However, there are situations where multiple parties may be liable. These parties could include:

• The driver: In most cases, the driver who caused the accident due to negligence will be liable for the victim's injuries.
• The vehicle owner: If the driver was operating a vehicle owned by someone else, the vehicle owner may also be held accountable, especially if they entrusted their car to a driver that they knew was intoxicated or unable to drive safely.
• Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable for injuries and damages suffered by others.
• Government entities: If an accident is caused by poor road design, faulty traffic signals, or lack of proper road maintenance, a government entity such as a city, county, or state may be held liable.
• Car manufacturers: In cases where a defect in the vehicle or one of its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or supplier may be held liable for the resulting damages.

Contact Our Hagerstown Car Accident Attorney

Serafini Law can investigate a car accident to determine the causes and ensure that liability is assigned correctly. Our attorney will work to ensure that a negligent driver or other parties are held responsible for injuries suffered by victims. Contact us at 240-744-1600 to set up a free consultation today.