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Top Causes of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them

top-causes-of-car-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them

A drive can feel routine—just a trip to work, the store, or back home. Then, out of nowhere, screeching brakes or flashing lights change everything. Traffic crashes are not rare. In 2022, nearly 42,000 people died in U.S. traffic accidents, and more than 2.3 million were injured. That’s an average of one death every 12 minutes. Those numbers show why safety matters every time a car is on the road. If the worst happens, having a San Jose injury lawyer on your side matters. Avrek Law helps people push back against insurance companies and their tricks, so victims are not left paying the price for someone else’s mistake.

top-causes-of-car-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them

Why Accidents Keep Happening

Car crashes rarely happen out of nowhere; most follow patterns drivers can control. Understanding the biggest triggers like distraction, speed, impairment, and fatigue helps cut risk on busy Bay Area roads. That knowledge allows victims to document fault if a claim is needed with a San Jose accident lawyer later. Watch for slowdowns on US-101 and I-880.

Ready to spot the warning signs? Here are the main culprits:

Distracted Driving

Phones, apps, or even changing music can take eyes off the road. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that over 140,000 drivers statewide were cited for cell phone use in one year. That’s a lot of risky glances away from the road. Whether texting, adjusting navigation, or eating, distractions often make the difference between stopping safely and crashing.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit is one of the most common problems on California roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s webpage, “For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one‑third of all motor vehicle fatalities.” Also noted, in 2023, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities. Going just 10 miles per hour faster reduces reaction time and increases crash force. In San Jose, busy corridors like US-101, I-880, and SR-87 make speeding extra dangerous because traffic can suddenly slow down. A San Jose car accident lawyer often sees cases where just a few extra miles per hour caused significant injuries.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and cloud judgment. In 2022, alcohol‑impaired driving crashes caused more than 13,500 deaths, accounting for roughly 32% of all U.S. traffic fatalities. Even prescribed or over‑the‑counter medications can impair a driver. Legal substances that reduce alertness may still leave a driver liable in an accident. A skilled accident lawyer in San Jose can review toxicology findings and determine responsibility.

Fatigue

Driving drowsy is less obvious but equally serious. The CDC notes that people awake for 18 hours drive like someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. Drowsy drivers are slower to brake and more likely to drift. Crashes on I-280 and rural highways around Santa Clara County often involve fatigue. Victims of these crashes may need a car accident attorney in San Jose to connect the dots and show how exhaustion played a role.

How To Lower The Risks Every Day

Avoiding crashes is possible with small, steady habits. These tips cut risk and keep families safer:

  • Stay focused. Keep phones out of reach. If GPS is needed, set it before starting.
  • Control speed. Post limits matter, but so do conditions. Slow down in the rain or near schools.
  • Drive sober. Even one drink can slow reaction time. Always plan for a ride.
  • Rest first. A driver who yawns often should stop. Breaks every two hours reduce fatigue.
  • Wear seat belts. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017.
  • Be aware. Look far ahead to see brake lights, curves, or sudden lane changes.

They may sound basic, yet they save lives every day. Small habits practiced on every trip add up to fewer crashes and safer roads.

What To Do After A Car Crash

Accidents shake everything up. Here are smart steps to take after a crash to protect health and future claims:

  1. Call emergency services right away.
  2. Stay at the scene unless safety forces a move.
  3. Take photos of vehicles, license plates, and the road.
  4. Collect witness names and numbers.
  5. Get medical care even if injuries feel minor.
  6. Talk with a trusted San Jose injury lawyer to understand options.

Acting fast preserves evidence, documents injuries, and strengthens any claim later. Insurance companies often call quickly, offering low settlements before victims know the full cost. Having a San Jose car accident attorney from Avrek Law handle those calls makes a difference.

Why Legal Help Matters

Insurance companies use teams of adjusters and lawyers. They push quick payouts that miss long-term costs. Avrek Law Firm steps in with experience and a focus on injury cases. Managing Attorney Maryam Parman built Avrek Law Firm to help people hurt by negligence. The team investigates crashes, documents losses, and presses for full compensation. Results include hundreds of millions recovered for clients, from whiplash to life-changing trauma. With clear communication and a steady strategy, injured people aren’t left behind.

Working with Avrek means:

  • Experience. More than a combined 50 years of experience in handling accident cases.
  • Dedication. A focus on injury law and nothing else.
  • Results. A track record of recovering fair compensation.

Having someone who understands injury law and local traffic conditions matters when insurance tries to downplay damages.

Taking The Next Step

Life changes fast in traffic. Injuries bring pain, bills, and stress that feel overwhelming. Support is close by, with clear next steps. Loved ones worry, paperwork grows, and calls from insurers keep coming. Guidance from the team at Avrek Law Firm makes choices easier and protects each move. They help track deadlines, gather records, and steady the process.

If hurt, there’s no need to guess what’s fair. Call 24/7 866-598-5548, fill out the form, or start a live chat to get a free review with Avrek Law Firm. A skilled team can step in, protect rights, document losses, coordinate care, and help keep one crash from derailing savings and long-term stability.

With the help of a trusted San Jose injury lawyer, recovery is more than possible—it’s the start of moving forward.

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