Marion County ranked highest in the number of traffic accidents in 2016. Reportable traffic accidents totaled 37,447 which resulted in the highest number fatalities (100) per county in Indiana. In addition to the traffic fatalities in 2016, thousands of people were injured in traffic accidents throughout Marion County. Sadly, many of those crashes did not need to happen.

Our PBAR legal team represents accident victims injured by negligent and careless drivers. We file injury claims and provide support as our clients fight to regain their health and lives after a tragic motor vehicle accident. Call 1-800-265-9881 or (317) 780-8000 to request your free consultation with one of our Indianapolis car accident attorneys.

Common Causes of Traffic Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents occur for a variety of reasons.  However, the three most common reasons for car accidents are driver error, weather conditions, and road conditions.

Driver Error Contributing to Traffic Collisions

Driver error is the most common factor in traffic accidents. Individuals have a duty to operate motor vehicles safely to reduce the risk of injury to others. When a driver fails in this duty, that driver can be held liable for damages caused by the accident.

Common examples of driver error include:

• Distracted driving, including texting, taking on a cell phone, reading, grooming, eating, adjusting controls, reaching for objects, etc.
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs (drugged driving)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol (drunk driving)
• Speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving, and other reckless driving behaviors
• Failing to obey traffic laws and rules

A negligent or reckless driver is responsible for damages caused by the crash. Therefore, you could receive compensation for injuries and damages by filing an accident claim. However, you must prove the driver caused the crash. Because multiple factors can contribute to the cause of a crash, you need an experienced Indianapolis car accident attorney to investigate the accident.

Our car accident lawyers in Indianapolis utilize a variety of tools and expert assistance to reconstruct an accident to determine the cause of an accident. By determining the cause, we identify the responsible party and obtain evidence to prove liability.

Poor Weather Conditions As A Factor in Car Accidents

Weather conditions can be a factor in motor vehicle crashes. Snow, wind, rain, ice, and fog can reduce a driver’s visibility. Weather conditions can also reduce a driver’s ability to control a vehicle. Even though the weather may be a factor in an accident, it is usually not the only contributing factor. A driver typically has some responsibility for the crash.

For instance, a driver following too closely or speeding contributes to a rear-end crash because the weather reduces visibility and increases stopping distance. Because the driver failed to adjust speed and following distance, the driver may be held liable for any damages caused by an accident.

Dangerous or Hazardous Road Conditions That Cause Traffic Accidents

In some cases, the road conditions contribute to the cause of a crash. Road debris, improperly maintained roads, defectively designed intersections, missing road signs, or lack of guardrails could be factors in the cause of a crash. When road hazards are the cause of the crash, a government entity may be responsible for damages.

However, filing a claim against the government is complex. Therefore, you must act quickly to protect your right to file a claim. If you believe road conditions caused your car accident, you need to contact our Indianapolis car accident attorneys immediately for a free consultation.

Call Our Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review

Call 1-800-265-9881 or (317) 780-8000 to request your free consultation with an Indianapolis accident attorney.