Columbia Car Accident Attorneys

Causes of motor vehicle accidents

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, over 44,000 deaths annually are caused by auto accidents and their resulting injuries. Regardless of cause, it is no secret that car accidents are a risk to all drivers and passengers on the road.

All drivers have a responsibility to themselves and others—it is their duty to be attentive, careful, and safe at all times. Unfortunately, too often driver negligence leads to crashes. When it does, those who suffer injury as a result have the right to collect damages from the driver responsible.

Consider some of the common causes of accidents listed below. If you were injured in an a collision with similar circumstances in the mid-Missouri region, a Columbia car accident attorney from the Law Office of Eng & Woods can assess your case and help you seek coverage for injuries, expenses, and property damages.

• Driver distraction. The American Automobile Association reports that driver distraction plays a role in 25-50 percent of all car accidents. Typical distractions include:
  • Other accidents (rubbernecking)
  • Scenery and weather
  • Children or other passengers
  • Using a cell phone or other electronic device
  • Fiddling with the radio
  • Reading directions or maps
  • Eating or drinking.
• Driver fatigue. About 100,000 accidents annually are the result of driver exhaustion, reports the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drivers on the road for many hours at a time who fail to stop and rest are at an increased risk for falling asleep behind the wheel. Common symptoms of driver fatigue include heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, misjudging traffic situations, and an inability to maintain a constant speed.
• Drunk or intoxicated driving. According to the NHTSA, about 30 percent of fatal car accidents are due to drunk driving. Impaired driving of any kind is highly dangerous and illegal. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense, and those found guilty can end up with serious fines to pay, jail time, a probation period, and even a loss of license.
• Speeding. Disregarding the speed limit increases the risk of a car accident and minimizes the reaction time for drivers, often leading to accidents with more severe damage and injuries.
• Aggressive driving. A driver who is aggressive is an unnecessary distraction to all those on the road. Aggressive driving behaviors include:
  • Persistent tailgating
  • Excessively flashing of lights at other drivers
  • Ignoring traffic signals
  • Weaving or changing lanes frequently and without signal
  • Failing to yield the right of way.

Qualified attorneys who are ready to represent you

At the Law Office of Eng & Woods, our car accident lawyers understand how to obtain the maximum compensation possible for the injuries you suffer. For more information, or to schedule an initial consultation, call us today at 573.874.4190 or contact the firm online. You can also call our toll-free number at 877.888.2345. From our office in Columbia, we represent clients throughout the mid-Missouri area, including those living in Boonville, Fulton, Jefferson City, Moberly, Mexico, Ashland and all surrounding areas.