Top Causes of Car Accidents

A car accident can change your life in an instant. Many times, collisions result not from random acts but from predictable mistakes. When you know the most common causes of car accidents, you’re better prepared to stay alert, protect yourself on the road, and get legal help after a crash. If someone else’s careless driving has left you hurt, a car accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Types of Car Accidents

Not all car accidents look the same. Here are some of the most common types and what makes each one dangerous:

• Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle bumps into the back of another. They can cause whiplash or spinal injuries, even at low speeds.
• Side-impact (T-bone) crashes occur when one driver hits the side of another vehicle, most often at intersections. These crashes can be especially dangerous because the sides of cars offer less protection than the front and rear.
• Head-on collisions occur when one vehicle crosses the center line or overtakes another recklessly, resulting in a direct collision.
• Single-vehicle accidents involve only one car, though they can still cause major property damage or serious injury.
• Multi-car pileups start with one mistake that triggers a chain reaction. High-speed roads make them more likely because drivers have less time to slow down to avoid the initial collision.
• Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. Rollovers can cause severe injuries due to the tumbling motion and risk of roof collapse.
• Sideswipe collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite direction make side contact, often resulting from unsafe lane changes or drifting into another lane.
• Backing-up accidents happen when a driver traveling in reverse hits another vehicle, object, or person, making them most common in parking lots and driveways.

What Causes Car Accidents?

Many factors contribute to car accidents. Some are predictable and avoidable, while others are harder to foresee:

• Distracted driving caused by texting, using a phone, eating, adjusting the controls, or interacting with passengers remains one of the top factors that cause car accidents. A moment of inattention can lead to a life-changing crash.
• Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Aggressive driving, including tailgating, rapid lane changes, and weaving through traffic, increases the risk of a crash.
• Reckless behavior, such as failure to yield and running red lights or stop signs, is a common cause of T-bone wrecks.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) cripples judgment, slows reaction time, and hinders coordination. It remains a major cause of serious car accidents in Nevada.
• Driving drowsy impairs awareness and slows response times, sometimes as much as driving drunk!
• Inexperienced drivers may misjudge distances, speeds, or right-of-way rules. Such errors can lead to collisions, especially in heavy traffic or confusing intersections.
• Unsafe lane changes and tailgating reduce the time and space available to react, often leading to rear-end collisions or sideswipes.
• Mechanical failures or defective parts may not be the driver’s fault. While rare, faulty brakes, worn tires, or steering problems can cause sudden loss of control, resulting in accidents.
• Slick roads, rain, dust storms, or reduced visibility can transform a small error into a serious accident.

Prevention Strategies to Avoid Car Accidents

Knowing what causes accidents is only half the battle. Here are some practical strategies to reduce the risk:

• Eliminate distractions. Don’t text, eat, or fiddle with your GPS while driving.
• Follow the speed limit, give yourself enough following distance, signal turns and lane changes, and yield the right-of-way when required.
• Never drive under the influence. If you drink or use impairing substances, call a rideshare or ask a sober driver to take you home.
• Get enough rest before driving and take breaks on long trips.
• Drive defensively, not aggressively. Assume others might make mistakes, and watch out for unpredictable actions.
• Regularly check your brakes, tires, steering, and suspension. Address any warning signs and conduct the needed repairs immediately.
• Adapt to weather and road conditions. This includes slowing down and increasing your following distance when roads are slippery, visibility is poor, or traffic is heavy.

Get Help After a Crash

Have you been injured because another driver was distracted, reckless, or impaired? Seeking legal representation holds the responsible parties accountable and lets you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Carvalho & Associates Attorneys at Law is a personal injury attorney in Las Vegas with over 30 years of experience. Our proven track record and abundant resources make us a well-respected choice for clients across Nevada. Don’t navigate the stressful aftermath of a car accident alone—contact us to schedule a free consultation, where we’ll evaluate your car accident case and help you pursue fair compensation.

FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

First, move to safety. Get medical attention if anyone is injured and report the accident to law enforcement. Then, exchange information with other parties and gather photo and video evidence of the crash scene before cleanup begins.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Possibly. Many car accident cases in Nevada involve shared fault under the state’s modified comparative-fault system, or the 51% rule. An injured person can recover compensation as long as they are 50% or less at fault for the accident. The final recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. If a driver is 51% or more responsible, they cannot collect compensation from the other party.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after a crash?

It helps to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible—ideally before speaking with insurance adjusters. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and protects your rights from the start.

Does Carvalho & Associates handle accidents involving defective vehicles?

Yes. If a mechanical failure or a defective part contributed to your crash, we can investigate the possibility of holding vehicle manufacturers or other parties responsible.

Will my car accident case go to trial?

Not necessarily. Many cases settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies. But if insurers refuse fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.