6 Ways Driver Negligence Leads to Car Accidents

With a rise in the number of smart devices, distracted driving accidents seem to be increasing. One factor that seems to be the cause of these accidents is a lack of awareness. Drivers engage in irresponsible behavior with little disregard for the impact it brings on them and others around them.

The statement holds true for Gainesville as well. There are reports that say that Gainesville and its surrounding areas experience higher traffic accidents than normal. This Gainesville car accident attorney tells us that it is essential to seek compensation for all the losses that a victim has suffered.

This article lists 6 of the most common instances of negligence that lead to car accidents. By the end of this article, you’ll know how seemingly harmless actions can have horrible consequences.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is first on our list of the ways in which negligence leads to car accidents.

Distracted driving isn’t just limited to operating a car while being busy on the phone. Instances where the driver is eating while driving also come under distraction. If the driver is engaged in a serious conversation or an argument with other occupant(s) of the car, that counts for distraction as well. So does playing with children or a pet.

GPS devices are also a reason for car accidents. Some drivers constantly switch between the road and the GPS device and may miss sudden elements of the road. This causes accidents as well.

2. Driving Under the Influence

This includes alcohol, drugs, and certain prescription medicines.

Driving under the influence of intoxicants is a serious offense. A drunk driver is dangerous, not just to themselves, but to others on the road as well. This is because of a drunk driver:

• Has trouble seeing things clearly on the road
• Has poor information processing ability
• Cannot maintain the lane position
• Has poor braking skills
• Has lower coordination

This is the reason why 49 out of 50 states have a rule that a driver cannot operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of more than .08%. The exception is Utah, where the BAC limit is 0.05%.

3. Breaking Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are set up to protect citizens. However, the sad truth is that some drivers violate them. This may be for various reasons. But the two most common ones are mentioned below.

• A driver is running late
• A driver overestimates their ability behind the wheel

Whatever the reason may be, drivers are not expected to break traffic laws. Some of the common instances of traffic violations include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Improper lane changes
• Not yielding to other vehicles
• Making illegal turns

4. Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is closely related to breaking traffic laws. But it deserves special mention due to the concept of negligence in determining liability in car accident cases.

All drivers are expected to maintain a duty of care to their fellow drivers. A breach of this duty is the first stage in finding the liable party in a car accident.

Road rage is often one of the primary causes of road rage. Drivers who’re stuck in traffic or have had a bad day often vent to other drivers. Sometimes physical altercations are involved. Other times, the angry driver may follow the victim too closely or honk incessantly. This often forces the other driver to make a quick decision or confront the aggressive driver. Some panic and end up in car accidents. 

5. Tired Driving

Like drunk drivers, those who are tired are also a liability on the road. One main reason for this is that tired drivers often fall asleep at the wheel. The driver doesn’t even have to sleep for long. The car drifting off for a few seconds is all it takes for it to veer off the road.

A driver who is too tired to drive is supposed to think about alternate methods of transportation. Not doing this puts others on the road at risk, which is a breach of the duty of care they owe to others.

5. Poor Car Maintenance

Maintenance is an essential part of owning a car. A poorly-maintained car is bound to fail sooner or later. When that happens, the driver of the poorly-maintained car will be held liable. The negligence the driver exhibited in not maintaining the car in an operational state will be considered when looking for liable parties.

Final Thoughts

Negligence is the deciding factor when determining liability. But finding it isn’t straightforward. That’s where the assistance of a lawyer is crucial.

An experienced car accident lawyer will help prove the at-fault party’s negligence and make sure the victim receives the compensation they deserve.