Every year, hundreds of thousands of car accidents occur in California. Consequently, many drivers worry about how they could avoid being involved in an accident when on the roads. You might have heard that some age groups are more likely to get into a car accident than other age groups. To learn if this is true and find out what to do in the event of an accident, read this blog or reach out to a San Mateo County, California Car Accident Lawyer today!
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENTS?
There are various sets of circumstances that could possibly lead to a car accident. Most accidents are caused by either a driver’s negligence or road conditions. Negligence is when someone ignores their civil duty to prevent harm to the public and subsequently causes an accident that leaves victims injured. Generally, some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Driver error
- Distracted driving (ex: texting while driving)
- Reckless driving (ex: speeding)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inclement weather (ex: snowy and icy roads)
- Dangerous road conditions
- Faulty car parts
The cause of a car accident is important when it comes to covering accident damages. California is an at-fault state, meaning whoever is at fault for a car accident will be liable for damages. So if you get into a car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you can likely receive compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance.
WHICH AGE GROUP CAUSES THE MOST AUTO ACCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA?
In general, teenage drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in a car accident than any other age group. This is simply because teenagers who just got their license don’t have as much experience driving in different circumstances (like nighttime) and avoiding dangerous situations. Furthermore, teens (especially males) are more inclined to speed and/or drive recklessly. Drivers between the ages of 20 and 25 are also more likely than older drivers to be involved in a car accident. Similarly, young adults may be more inclined than experienced drivers to drive unsafely, including driving under the influence.
Other than new drivers, elder drivers also have a statistically higher chance of getting into a car accident than drivers aged 26-70. This is because once people reach a certain age, they are likely to have impaired vision, poor hearing, and reduced reaction time, all of which are necessary for safe driving. Many elderly people also take medications that may possibly cause side effects that could affect their driving abilities.
If you’ve been recently involved in a car accident and are unable to receive compensation through insurance, you may be able to seek further restitution by filing a personal injury claim. The Law Offices of Allister R. Liao is here to help! Contact our firm today for an initial consultation.
