Common Causes of a Car Accident & What to Do Next

Learn the most common causes of a car accident and get clear, practical steps to take after a crash to protect your health, rights, and claim.

The sound of screeching tires and breaking glass is just the beginning. The true impact of a car accident unfolds slowly, in the form of persistent pain, mounting medical bills, and stressful calls from insurance adjusters. What seems like a straightforward claim can quickly become a complicated battle while you are just trying to recover. You are not just dealing with a damaged vehicle; you are facing a disruption to your entire life. This article will help you understand the long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a crash and provide clear, actionable steps you can take to protect yourself and secure the resources you need to move forward. Consulting a Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorney early in the process can ensure your rights are protected from day one.

Key Takeaways

• Proactive Driving is Your Best Protection: Since most crashes stem from human error, your habits behind the wheel are what keep you safe. Reduce your risk by putting your phone away, managing your speed for the conditions, and staying alert to what other drivers are doing around you.
• Your Actions Immediately After a Crash Matter: In the stressful moments following a collision, focus on safety first. Always call the police to get an official report and seek a medical evaluation right away to create a documented link between the accident and your injuries.
• Know How to Handle the Insurance Process: Insurance companies are businesses that often try to minimize payouts. Protecting your right to fair compensation means gathering all your evidence, from photos to medical bills, and understanding that you don’t have to face their tactics alone.

Why Do Car Accidents Happen?

When you get behind the wheel, you’re putting a lot of trust in the drivers around you. But the hard truth is that most car accidents aren’t random acts of bad luck. They’re usually caused by a series of poor decisions. While things like bad weather or a sudden tire blowout can play a role, the vast majority of collisions come down to one thing: human error. Understanding the most common causes can not only help you become a safer driver but also help you understand what happened if you’ve been in a crash. If you’ve been hurt in a collision, getting fair compensation often starts with figuring out who was at fault, and an experienced injury law attorney can help you sort through the details.

Human Error: The Number One Cause

It’s a sobering thought, but research shows that human error is behind more than 90% of all car crashes. This means that nearly every accident on the road could have been prevented. This statistic covers a wide range of behaviors, from a momentary lapse in judgment to a deliberately reckless choice. It includes everything from glancing at a text message to driving too fast for road conditions. Because driver behavior is the leading cause of accidents, it’s also the main focus when determining fault in a personal injury claim. Proving that another driver’s mistake caused your injuries is the key to a successful case.

Distracted Driving and Your Phone

We’ve all seen it: a driver staring down at their phone instead of the road ahead. Distracted driving is a massive problem, and cell phones are the biggest culprit. Texting while driving is reported to be six times more dangerous than driving under the influence. That’s because it involves all three types of distraction: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to a devastating accident. These crashes are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause thousands of fatalities every year.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speed limits aren’t just suggestions; they are set to keep traffic moving at a safe pace for the specific road and conditions. Speeding dramatically reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of an impact if you do crash. It’s a factor in a huge number of fatal accidents, especially on wet or icy roads common in Pennsylvania. Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signals often go hand in hand with speeding. These actions put everyone on the road at risk and are a clear sign of negligence. If an aggressive driver caused your accident, they can and should be held responsible.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most reckless choices a person can make. In the United States, someone dies in a DUI-related crash every 42 minutes. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination, making it impossible to operate a vehicle safely. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% is four times more likely to be in a crash than a sober driver. If you were hit by a drunk driver, you have a right to seek justice. These cases often involve both a criminal prosecution and a civil claim for your injuries, and the legal system requires a lawyer who understands DUI defenses and personal injury.

The Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Driving while exhausted can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. When you’re sleep-deprived, your attention wanders, your reaction time slows, and you can even experience “microsleeps” where you doze off for a few seconds without realizing it. Shockingly, driving after being awake for 20 hours straight can impair you as much as having a 0.08% BAC. Many people underestimate the risks of drowsy driving, but it contributes to a significant percentage of all fatal crashes. It’s a serious form of negligence, especially for commercial truck drivers who are required to follow strict hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue.

How Weather and Roads Play a Part

While it’s easy to blame a crash on a sudden downpour or a patch of black ice, environmental factors are the primary cause of only about 2% of accidents. Poor weather and hazardous road conditions can certainly make driving more challenging, but the responsibility still falls on the driver to adjust their behavior accordingly. This means slowing down, increasing following distance, and being extra cautious. When a driver fails to adapt to the conditions and causes an accident, they are still at fault. The weather may have contributed, but the driver’s failure to respond safely is what ultimately caused the collision.

The Real Numbers Behind Car Accidents

It’s easy to think a serious car accident is something that happens to other people. But when you look at the data, it becomes clear just how common and devastating they are. The statistics paint a stark picture of the risks we face on the road every day, highlighting the physical, emotional, and financial fallout that can change a life in an instant. Understanding these numbers helps put the importance of safe driving and legal protection into perspective.

A National Look at Injuries and Fatalities

Across the country, the statistics on car accidents are sobering. Traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults, and nearly 40,000 people die in crashes each year in the United States. What’s even more shocking is that an estimated 94% of these crashes are caused by human error. Things like distracted driving are major contributors, accounting for thousands of deaths annually. Drunk driving is another persistent danger, claiming a life roughly every 42 minutes. These aren’t just abstract figures; they represent families and communities torn apart by preventable tragedies.

The Financial Toll of a Crash

Beyond the immediate physical harm, a car accident can trigger a cascade of financial problems. You’re suddenly facing medical bills, the cost of vehicle repairs, and lost income from being unable to work. You would hope your insurance company would step in to help, but that’s not always the case. Insurers often protect their bottom line by delaying payments, denying valid claims, or offering a settlement that is far less than what you deserve. Dealing with the mountain of paperwork for an injury law claim while you’re trying to recover is overwhelming, and it’s a fight you shouldn’t have to face alone. A qualified Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorney can take this burden off your shoulders.

A Closer Look at Pennsylvania’s Roads

Here in Pennsylvania, our local roads are no exception to the national trends. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there are hundreds of reportable traffic crashes every single day across the state. These incidents result in thousands of injuries and tragically, over a thousand fatalities each year. While state and local governments work on infrastructure improvements to make roads safer, that does little to help you in the moments after a collision. When an accident happens in Allegheny, Butler, or the surrounding counties, you need a team that understands local laws and is ready to protect your rights.

What Are the Most Common Kinds of Collisions?

Car accidents can happen in many ways, but certain types of collisions are more frequent than others. Understanding the dynamics of your crash is a key step in figuring out what happened and who might be at fault. From fender benders in parking lots to serious highway accidents, each type of collision presents its own set of challenges when it comes to proving your case and getting the compensation you need to recover.

Rear-End Collisions

You’re stopped at a red light, and suddenly you feel a jolt from behind. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents, and they often happen when you least expect it. The primary cause is usually a driver who isn’t paying attention. In fact, research shows the most common cause of rear-end collisions is distracted driving, with tailgating and speeding also being major factors. Even at low speeds, these impacts can cause serious injuries like whiplash, which may not show symptoms for days. It’s a frustrating experience, especially since the driver who hit you is almost always considered at fault.

Head-On Crashes

Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous and terrifying accidents on the road. These collisions occur when one vehicle crosses the centerline and strikes another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The combined force of both vehicles moving toward each other creates a devastating impact. Common causes include impaired driving, falling asleep at the wheel, or losing control on a curve. According to federal traffic safety facts, head-on collisions are responsible for a high number of traffic fatalities each year. The injuries sustained in these crashes are often catastrophic, making it critical to understand your rights if you or a loved one has been involved in one.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents

Often called T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions typically happen at intersections. This occurs when the front of one car crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. Usually, one driver has failed to yield the right of way by running a red light or a stop sign. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the sides of a vehicle offer far less protection than the front or rear, where bumpers and crumple zones absorb impact. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes this lack of protection puts occupants at a high risk for severe injuries to the head, chest, and pelvis.

Single-Vehicle Crashes and Rollovers

An accident doesn’t always involve another car. Single-vehicle crashes happen when a driver loses control and hits a stationary object like a tree, guardrail, or telephone pole. These incidents can also lead to rollovers, where the vehicle flips onto its side or roof. Speeding, swerving to avoid an animal, drowsy driving, or poor weather conditions are frequent causes. While it might seem like the driver is automatically at fault, that isn’t always the case. A poorly maintained road or a vehicle defect could be to blame. Federal data on rollover crashes shows they have a higher fatality rate than other types of accidents, highlighting just how serious they can be.

Your First Steps After a Car Accident

The moments after a car accident are chaotic and stressful. Your adrenaline is pumping, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, the actions you take immediately following a crash can have a significant impact on your health, safety, and any future legal claims. Knowing what to do can help you stay calm and protect your rights. It’s about taking control of a situation that feels completely out of your control. By following a clear set of steps, you can ensure everyone is safe, gather the necessary information, and lay the groundwork for your recovery. Remember, your priority is your well-being. Everything else, from the crumpled fender to the insurance paperwork, can be sorted out later. If you’re ever unsure of what to do, remember that getting professional help, both medical and legal, is the smartest move you can make. An experienced injury law attorney can guide you through the process from the very beginning.

First: Prioritize Safety and Check for Injuries

Before you do anything else, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Your immediate priority is safety. If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic to the side of the road to prevent further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights. Then, check on yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger, like from a fire. Check on the occupants of the other vehicle as well. The shock of an accident can make it hard to think clearly, but focusing on safety first helps ground you and ensures everyone gets the care they need right away.

Call for Police and Medical Help

Even if the accident seems minor, you should always call 911. The police will create an official accident report, which is a critical piece of evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal action. When you call, be prepared to give your location as precisely as possible. Request medical assistance, even if you think no one is seriously injured. Paramedics can assess everyone at the scene. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, don’t show immediate symptoms, and having a professional evaluation is the safest course of action. Getting prompt medical attention establishes a record that connects your injuries directly to the crash.

Document the Scene and Exchange Details

While you wait for help to arrive, start gathering information. Use your phone to take pictures of everything: the position of the cars, the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks on the road, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Also, take photos of any visible injuries. Next, exchange information with the other driver. Be polite but stick to the facts. Get their full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance company information. It’s also a good idea to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened. This documentation is essential for building a strong personal injury claim.

Why You Need to See a Doctor Right Away

After leaving the scene, your next stop should be a doctor’s office or an urgent care clinic, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline from the accident can mask pain, and many common car accident injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, can take hours or even days to fully appear. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for two reasons. First, it protects your health by catching potential problems early. Second, it creates an official medical record that documents your injuries and links them to the accident. This medical documentation is vital evidence if you need to file a claim to cover your medical bills and other damages.

How to Become a Safer Driver and Prevent Accidents

While you can’t control what other drivers do, you can take powerful steps to protect yourself and your passengers on the road. Being a safer driver is about building smart habits that become second nature every time you get behind the wheel. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. By focusing on your own actions, your mindset, and your vehicle’s condition, you significantly lower your risk of being involved in a collision. Even small adjustments can make a huge difference in preventing an accident and avoiding the need for an injury law attorney. These simple practices can help keep you, your loved ones, and others on the road safe.

Learn Defensive Driving Techniques

Defensive driving is all about staying one step ahead. It means you’re not just operating your vehicle; you’re actively scanning the road, anticipating potential hazards, and giving yourself enough time and space to react. A core principle is maintaining a safe following distance, the classic “three-second rule,” which gives you a buffer if the car ahead brakes suddenly. It also involves being constantly aware of your surroundings, checking your mirrors frequently, and anticipating the actions of other drivers. Assuming someone might pull out in front of you or run a stop sign keeps you prepared to respond calmly and safely, rather than being caught by surprise.

Check Your Mindset Before You Drive

Your state of mind has a huge impact on your driving. Before you even turn the key, take a moment to check in with yourself. Four mental states often contribute to crashes: rushing, frustration, complacency, and fatigue. If you’re running late and feeling rushed, you’re more likely to speed or make aggressive moves. If you’re angry or frustrated, that emotion can easily translate into road rage. Complacency on a familiar route can cause you to tune out, while fatigue dramatically slows your reaction time. Recognizing these feelings in yourself is the first step to preventing a serious mistake on the road.

Keep Your Car in Top Shape

Your car is your first line of defense in an accident, so keeping it well-maintained is non-negotiable. Regular maintenance isn’t just about avoiding a breakdown; it’s a critical safety measure. Simple checks can prevent a mechanical failure that leads to a crash. Make sure your brakes are responsive, your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated, and all your lights are working correctly. Following your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure it can perform as needed in an emergency, whether you need to stop short or swerve to avoid a hazard.

Use Your Car’s Safety Features

Modern vehicles come equipped with incredible safety technology, but these features only work if you understand and use them. Advanced driver assistance systems, like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and lane departure warnings, are designed to support your safe driving habits, not replace them. Take some time to read your car’s manual and learn what each feature does and how it alerts you. These systems can provide a crucial warning or even take action to help prevent a crash, but they work best when paired with an alert, engaged driver who is already practicing safe techniques.

Common Roadblocks When Filing a Car Accident Claim

Filing a car accident claim should be simple, but it often comes with unexpected hurdles. Even with a valid case, you might face issues that delay or reduce your compensation. From tricky insurance adjusters to mountains of paperwork, the process can be tough. Understanding these common roadblocks is the first step toward successfully handling them and protecting your rights.

Dealing with Insurance Company Tactics

After a crash, remember the insurance company’s goal is to protect its bottom line, which means they may try to minimize your payout. It’s common for them to delay your claim, hoping you’ll accept a low offer out of frustration. They might also downplay your injuries or property damage. An experienced personal injury attorney can handle these negotiations and ensure you are treated fairly.

How to Gather the Right Medical Evidence

Proving your injuries is critical, and a lack of medical evidence can weaken your case. Insurers often argue that injuries aren’t as severe as claimed or weren’t caused by the accident. That’s why you must see a doctor immediately and follow their treatment plan. A lawyer can help you collect the necessary documentation, like medical records and bills, to build a strong link between the crash and your injuries.

Making Sense of the Paperwork

The paperwork involved in a car accident claim can be overwhelming. You’ll need to track police reports, medical records, wage documentation, repair estimates, and insurance forms. Trying to manage this while recovering is a huge burden. Missing a single document or deadline could jeopardize your claim. A legal team can handle the paperwork for you, ensuring everything is filed correctly so you can focus on getting better.

Avoid These Common Filing Mistakes

In the stressful aftermath of an accident, it’s easy to make costly mistakes. A common error is accepting a settlement too quickly, before you know the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs. You should also avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without legal counsel. Getting sound legal advice helps you avoid these pitfalls and protects your right to fair compensation. This is where the expertise of a Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorney becomes invaluable.

How Insurance Works After a Car Accident

After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can feel like a second battle. Suddenly, you are buried in paperwork and phone calls while trying to recover from your injuries. Understanding how the process works is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve. It’s about knowing your policy, how to communicate with adjusters, and what documents you need to build a strong case. Getting this right from the start can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

What Are the Different Types of Coverage?

First, let’s break down the different types of insurance coverage. Your policy likely includes a few key types, and knowing what they do is crucial. 

Liability coverage pays for the other person’s injuries and property damage if you are at fault. 

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. 

Comprehensive coverage handles damage from non-collision events, like theft, hail, or hitting a deer. Understanding your specific policy helps you know what to expect when you file a claim and what you are entitled to receive.

How to File a Claim and Work with Adjusters

When you file a claim, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to your case. The adjuster’s job is to investigate the accident and determine how much the insurance company should pay. Remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. It is important to be careful in your communications. Stick to the facts of the accident and avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance companies often look for ways to delay, deny, or undervalue your claim, so it’s essential to be prepared for these insurance surprises.

Get Your Documents Ready for Your Claim

A successful insurance claim is built on solid documentation. You will need to gather all the relevant paperwork to support your case. This includes the official police report, all of your medical records and bills, and photos of the accident scene and your injuries. If you missed work, you will also need documentation of your lost wages from your employer. Getting estimates for vehicle repairs is also a key step. Having these documents organized and ready will speed up the process and show the insurance company you are serious about your claim. If you need help, our injury law team can guide you.

What Are Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Beyond the immediate shock and concern for your health, you have important legal rights that need protection. You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the damage to your vehicle. Understanding these rights is the first step toward ensuring you aren’t left with the financial burden of an accident someone else caused.

The moments and days following a crash are critical. The actions you take can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Insurance companies may contact you quickly, but their goal is often to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. Knowing your rights empowers you to handle these interactions and make informed decisions about your future. This includes knowing when to speak, what information to share, and when it’s time to bring in a professional to advocate on your behalf. An experienced injury law attorney can help you secure the resources you need to get back on your feet.

When Should You Call a Personal Injury Attorney?

The ideal time to call a personal injury attorney is as soon as possible after you’ve received medical attention. The sooner you have a legal expert on your side, the better protected you will be. An attorney can immediately advise you on how to deal with insurance adjusters and what to avoid saying. By handling all communication with the insurance companies, a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery instead of the stress of the claims process. They work to build your case from day one, ensuring no detail is missed. Getting legal advice early prevents you from making mistakes that could weaken your claim down the road. Engaging a Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorney can level the playing field against large insurance corporations.

Protect Your Evidence and Legal Rights

Protecting your rights starts with protecting your evidence. After an accident, everything from photos of the scene to your medical records becomes a crucial piece of your claim. Insurance claims require a lot of documentation, including medical bills, proof of lost wages, and repair estimates. A car accident lawyer is essential for helping you collect your medical evidence to prove the extent of your injuries. They will organize the paperwork and present a strong, evidence-based case on your behalf. Don’t wait to start collecting this information, and be sure to keep detailed records of every doctor’s visit and expense related to the accident.

Common Legal Hurdles in Pennsylvania Cases

Filing a car accident claim in Pennsylvania can present several challenges, especially when dealing with insurance companies. It’s common for insurers to use tactics that can feel unfair. The process can be difficult, especially when you’re contending with bad faith insurance tactics. This might include delaying your claim without reason, denying a valid claim, or offering a quick settlement that is far less than what you deserve. An attorney who understands these strategies can counter them effectively. At Logue Law Group, we are prepared to fight for your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the entire process. A seasoned Pittsburgh Auto Accident Attorney from our team will advocate for the maximum compensation available to you.

The Lasting Impact of a Car Accident

The moments after a car accident are just the beginning. The true impact often unfolds over weeks, months, or even years, affecting your health, your peace of mind, and your finances. Understanding these long-term consequences is the first step toward protecting yourself and getting the support you need to move forward. A crash creates ripples that extend far beyond a damaged vehicle, touching every part of your life.

The Path to Physical Recovery

Your first priority after any accident should be your health. Seeking medical attention is critical, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, don’t always show immediate symptoms. A thorough medical examination not only identifies hidden injuries but also creates an official record of them. This documentation is essential if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later on. Without it, it becomes much harder to prove your injuries were a direct result of the crash. Your recovery journey is unique, and having a clear medical baseline is a non-negotiable part of the process.

Coping with the Emotional Aftermath

A car accident is a traumatic event, and the emotional fallout can be just as debilitating as any physical injury. It’s common to experience anxiety, fear of driving, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The last thing you need while healing is the added stress of battling with insurance adjusters. Handling the constant phone calls and demands for information can be overwhelming. This is where an experienced injury law attorney can step in. By managing all communication with the insurance companies, a lawyer allows you to focus your energy where it matters most: on your recovery.

The Lingering Financial Strain

Between medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and the cost of car repairs, the financial pressure after an accident can build quickly. Even when you have a valid claim, insurance companies may delay, deny, or undervalue your payout to protect their bottom line. The claims process itself requires a mountain of paperwork, from medical records and wage documentation to repair estimates. Trying to gather all of this while you’re injured and stressed is a heavy burden. An attorney can help you organize your claim and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Related Articles

• Distractions Often Cause Pedestrian Accidents
• Car Accidents Category Archives
• Head on Accidents
• Five Mistakes People Make After an Accident
• Accidents Category Archives

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the other driver’s insurance adjuster calls me for a statement?

 It’s best to be polite but brief. You can confirm basic information, but you should decline to give a recorded statement or discuss the details of your injuries until you have spoken with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, and an innocent comment can be used against you later. Simply tell them you are not ready to provide a statement and that your lawyer will be in touch. This protects your rights and gives you space to focus on your health.

I feel okay after the crash, so is it really necessary to see a doctor?

 Yes, absolutely. The rush of adrenaline after an accident can easily hide pain, and many common injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Getting a medical evaluation right away is the only way to be sure you are not hurt. It also creates an official medical record that connects any injuries you have directly to the accident, which is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.

What if I think the accident was partly my fault? Can I still get compensation?

 You still may be able to recover compensation. Pennsylvania follows a legal rule that allows you to file a claim as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your final compensation amount would then be reduced by your percentage of fault. Determining responsibility is often complex, so you should never assume you don’t have a case without first discussing the details with an experienced attorney.

How can I afford a lawyer when I’m already dealing with medical bills and car repairs?

 This is a very common concern, and the good news is that you don’t have to pay anything upfront. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case, and their fee is a percentage of the settlement or award you receive. There are no out of pocket costs for you, which allows you to get expert legal help without adding to your financial stress.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Pennsylvania?

 In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and it is very strict. If you miss this window, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries forever. While two years might seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as you can.