Causes of Accidents in St. Louis

Causes of Accidents: Injury Claims

In cases of vehicular accidents, many circumstances, either alone or in combination, can contribute to an underlying cause. Drunk drivers, negligent drivers, and reckless or dangerous driving habits all contribute to serious injury accidents. In such cases, it is imperative that you have legal representation from a skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyer to address the legal issue of your compensation.

Distracted Driving

One of the top causes of all vehicular accidents, whether they involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, or boats is a distracted driver. Drivers have the absolute responsibility to other drivers on the road, in the water, or in the air to remain focused on their driving. A distracted driver will lose track of the other vehicles in the vicinity, placing other drivers in danger. Passing scenery, conversation in the car with other passengers, texting while driving, changing stations on the radio, and even just checking one's watch can cause driver distraction.

Intoxication

Drunk driving or operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs can be another major cause of accidents. Drugs and alcohol impair and individual's reflexes, motor skills, reaction time, and decision making ability, placing all other individuals in immediate danger. Drunk drivers pose a threat to all other drivers and pedestrians on the road.

Reckless Driving

A reckless driver is a dangerous driver. Speeding and a general disregard for the other vehicle on the road can have disastrous consequences, leading to serious, life threatening injuries and even death. Switching lanes without warning, turning without signaling, running stop signs and stoplights, tailgating, and overall aggressiveness are all leading causes of accidents.

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, sleet, ice, fog, and wind can all have an adverse effect on those operating vehicles. Rain and fog can obscure a driver's view, making it hard to keep track of the other vehicles on the road as well as the road itself. Wet conditions can cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. While snow and ice can severely cut down on a vehicle's traction, making sudden stops and sharp turn exceedingly dangerous.

Contact a St. Louis personal injury attorney to learn more about the leading causes of accidents and your injury claim.