Causes of Car Accidents

Westchester County Attorneys to Fight for Car Accident Victims

After a car accident that results in serious injuries, you may find yourself uncertain about how you’ll pay your medical bills and take time off work to recuperate. Many individuals and families do not have enough saved in case of catastrophic injuries. If you believe that another driver’s conduct was the cause of a car accident in which you were injured, you should consult an experienced White Plains car accident lawyer. Mark A. Siesel is a litigator with more than 38 years of experience advocating for clients in the courtroom. Contact the law firm he founded, The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, if you have been injured and would like a free consultation.

Causes of Car Accidents

After a car accident, accident victims in New York need to turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, if you have serious injuries, you may be able to sue an at-fault party for damages. Most car accident lawsuits are pursued under a theory of negligence. In order to establish that a car accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, our lawyers will need to prove: (1) the defendant was obliged to use reasonable care, (2) the defendant failed to use reasonable care, (3) causation, and (4) actual damages. All drivers of cars owe a duty to use reasonable care while operating their cars. Unfortunately, many car accidents are caused by negligent acts such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, reckless or aggressive driving, and failure to obey traffic signs and signals.

Distracted or Fatigued Driving

Many White Plains and New York state accidents are the result of distracted driving. Drivers may be distracted by calls on their cell phones, texts, children in the backseat, another collision on the road, or a wild animal. Sometimes both drivers involved in an accident are distracted and their negligence combines to cause a collision. When you sue for damages, insurance companies for the other party may look for ways in which you were also distracted and partially to blame. Your damages can be reduced under the doctrine of comparative negligence, so it’s wise to consult a lawyer who has your interests in mind before talking to the other side’s insurer.

Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of accidents. In some cases, a car driving the posted limit is still speeding for purposes of winter weather or slowed traffic. A car going too fast for traffic or weather conditions may travel for a significant distance before coming to a complete stop. In that situation, a driver who is tailgating another car is likely to cause a rear-end collision.

Driving Under the Influence

In spite of significant public safety campaigns, drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs remain causes of car accidents. When a driver causes an accident while he is under the influence, it may be important to look at whether there is dram shop liability, in addition to personal liability. Moreover, some drunk driving accidents are also hit and run accidents. These can trigger complicated legal issues in which accident victims are placed in an adversarial position with their own insurance company in an uninsured motorist claim. Typically, car accidents are the result of negligence, and only compensatory damages are available, but in the case of drunk driving accidents, you may also be able to recover punitive damages.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Drivers are supposed to drive defensively to take care not to injure others with whom they share the road. Unfortunately, some drivers wind up with road rage, acting or gesturing in aggressive, incendiary ways. These can lead to significant collisions and catastrophic injuries. For example, if another driver purposely cut you off to teach you a lesson, such that you were injured in an accident, he could be liable for aggressive driving.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs

Drivers in White Plains are expected to obey traffic signs and signals such as traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, speed limits, wrong-way signs, and more. When a driver fails to abide by these signs and signals, the failure is likely to be construed by a jury as negligence. For example, if another driver T-boned you because he failed to yield as required by signs at an intersection, you may have a claim for damages.

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, and fog reduce visibility and road traction, making it more difficult for drivers to react quickly and maintain control of their vehicles. When roads become slick due to rain or snow, the likelihood of skidding or hydroplaning increases, especially if drivers are traveling at high speeds. Ice, in particular, can be especially dangerous, as it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, leaving drivers with little time to correct their path.

Foggy conditions present another challenge, as they significantly reduce how far a driver can see ahead. Even with headlights on, visibility may be limited to just a few feet, making it difficult to spot potential hazards like other vehicles, pedestrians, or road obstacles.

While of course drivers have no control over the weather, they are expected to take conditions into consideration and adjust their driving accordingly. Drivers often overestimate their ability to navigate in bad weather, leading to tailgating or sudden braking, which increases the chance of rear-end collisions. In any adverse weather situation, it’s crucial for drivers to slow down, keep a safe distance from others, and stay extra cautious to avoid accidents.

Mechanical Problems

Mechanical defects in a vehicle can be a serious contributing factor to car accidents, as they can impair the vehicle’s ability to function properly on the road. Problems like brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can happen suddenly, leaving the driver with little control over the situation. For example, if a vehicle’s brakes malfunction, it could be impossible for the driver to stop in time to avoid a collision, even in the best conditions. Similarly, a blown tire or worn-out tires can cause a vehicle to lose traction and skid, particularly at high speeds, leading to dangerous accidents.

Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to prevent mechanical failures from becoming a hazard on the road. Drivers who neglect basic car maintenance, such as changing the oil, replacing worn-out brake pads, or checking tire pressure, may find themselves more likely to experience a mechanical failure at an inopportune moment. In some cases, defective parts from manufacturers or faulty repairs can also lead to accidents, as components that were designed to keep the vehicle safe may fail unexpectedly. It’s important for car owners to stay vigilant about their vehicle’s condition and address any issues promptly to ensure safety for themselves and others on the road.

Road Conditions

Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, particularly at higher speeds or in bad weather. Road debris, such as fallen tree branches or rocks, can also create hazards, causing accidents when drivers swerve to avoid them or lose control after hitting them. Additionally, inadequate signage, poor lighting, and poorly designed intersections can lead to confusion or sudden, unsafe maneuvers. In these cases, drivers may not have enough time to react appropriately, increasing the risk of collisions. Regular road maintenance and clear signage are essential to ensuring safe driving conditions for everyone on the road.

Consult an Experienced Westchester County Car Crash Law Firm

The cause of your car accident will affect whether you are able to recover damages from another driver or entity. You should call seasoned White Plains car accident attorney Mark A. Siesel at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel. Mr. Siesel originally represented defendants until the mid-1990s, but since 1986 has represented injured victims of accidents. Understanding how insurance companies think and defend cases gives him a major advantage over most attorneys. He represents clients in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, along with Westchester, Putnam, Kings, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Rockland, Bronx, and Ulster Counties.

One of the most unique aspects of our law firm is the lasting relationships we build with our clients. Many attorneys focus solely on the case at hand, but Mark Siesel believes in maintaining relationships well beyond the courtroom. He continues to stay in touch with past clients, celebrating their successes and offering continued support when needed. This level of connection is rare and reflects our commitment to being there for you, not just during the case, but throughout your life.

If you have been injured in a car accident, please know that you are not alone. Contact us at (914) 428-7386 or complete our online form for a free consultation where you can get an honest evaluation of your situation and find out what you may be able to do to get fair compensation.