An average of 90 people die in fatal car accidents every day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Sadly, many fatal car accidents could have been prevented by using safe driving practices. When another driver’s negligence causes someone’s death, the victim’s family has a right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver for damages. We have listed some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents below.
Causes of Fatal Car Accidents: Driving While Intoxicated
Despite all of the efforts on the part of nonprofit organizations and government agencies, people continue to drive while intoxicated. In addition to becoming intoxicated by alcohol use, using prescription medication that may impair your ability to drive is also dangerous. Even when a driver has a legitimate medical prescription, some medication types can cause drowsiness that makes driving extremely dangerous. Additionally, driving while excessively fatigued can have similar outcomes as driving while intoxicated. Whether a driver is intoxicated or fatigued, they increase the risk of causing a fatal car accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be a significant problem and a significant cause of fatal car accidents. Distracted driving is most prevalent when drivers are between the ages of 15 and 20. Drivers can become distracted while looking at their cell phones, tablets, or even their GPS units.
In other cases, drivers become distracted when trying to talk to their kids in the backseat or simply staring out the window and daydreaming instead of focusing on the road. It only takes looking down at a cell phone for five seconds for a driver to travel the length of an entire football field. Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous, yet preventable causes of fatal car accidents.
Using Excessive Speed
Using excessive speed is also a common cause of fatal car accidents. When a driver is going too fast, he or she may not be able to stop in time and instead chooses to speed through an intersection. When a car abruptly stops in front of the speeding driver, he or she may not have enough time to avoid a deadly collision. Following the signs posted for the maximum speed limit is not always enough to prevent an accident. When there are dangerous weather conditions involved, drivers have a legal duty to use reasonable care when deciding their speed.
Causes of Fatal Car Accidents: Contact a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are the surviving family member of a loved one who died in a car accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Surviving family members can file a lawsuit against the person or business whose negligence caused their loved one’s death. For example, suppose a drunk driver caused your loved one’s death. In that case, you may be able to sue him or her for economic and non-economic damages, including the cost associated with your loved one’s funeral and the lost income your family will experience. Contact the experienced car accident lawyers at Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your free consultation.
