Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Mateo

We all know that there are risks associated with getting behind the wheel, but understanding the most common causes of car accidents in San Mateo can make us a little safer each time we drive. The aftermath of a car crash can include ongoing health issues, expensive hospital bills, mounting repair costs, financial strain due to lost wages, and the inconvenience of being without a vehicle while it is under repair.

Understanding the common causes of these kinds of accidents can help you stay more vigilant on the road and prevent the risk of wrecks. Speak with our auto crash attorneys today to learn more.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents

The most common causes of car wrecks in San Mateo can be grouped into a few different categories: distractions, inattention, road conditions, and poor driving decisions.

Distractions

Undoubtedly, there are many distractions on modern roadways. From flashy electronic billboards that take drivers’ eyes off the road to the temptation of sending a text message while driving, many drivers face distractions when they should be fully focused on the task of driving. Even without modern technological advancements, things like eating, applying makeup, or even talking with a passenger can distract a person while driving. When these distractions come during an inopportune moment, they can lead to an accident.

Inattention

Even a driver who is avoiding all external distractions can fail to pay attention at the most important moments. Intersections, for example, are a common place for car crashes, and often result from a failure to fully pay attention to surroundings and traffic flow.

Road Conditions

While San Mateo does not typically have snow and ice, which can cause major traffic pileups, road conditions are still a common cause of automobile accidents in the area. Rain, low visibility, construction zones, and debris on the road can all make a crash more likely. While a driver cannot always predict or avoid driving in hazardous conditions, they can take precautions such as driving slower, choosing the least obstructed routes, and committing to an extra degree of attention during the trip.

Poor Driving Decisions

Many accidents are caused by decision errors. Drivers who choose to drive above the speed limit, make a poor assumption about what another driver is going to do, misjudge the size of a gap or the speed of another vehicle, or make an illegal maneuver on the roadway, increase the risk of accidents and injuries. While drivers cannot control what others on the road are going to do, they can be more attentive about their own driving decisions.

When to Reach Out to an Attorney

Despite their best efforts, even very attentive, safe drivers can find themselves involved in a car crash. Anyone who has been hurt or faced property damage as a result of a car accident should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. They are knowledgeable about the common causes of auto crashes in San Mateo and could determine who was responsible for your accident. A lawyer could help thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to help you get a larger settlement.

Call a San Mateo Attorney To Learn More About the Leading Causes of Car Wrecks

If you have been injured or are dealing with property damage after a car accident, reach out to an attorney to discuss the next steps. The lawyers at Solution Now Law Firm could make the insurance claim process smoother, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that your damages and losses have been clearly documented. Reach out to us today to discuss common causes of car accidents in San Mateo.