Every time we get behind the wheel, we place our trust in the rules of the road and in the drivers who share it with us. Yet often, that trust is broken, and lives are shattered in the aftermath of a crash. In the United States, nearly 30,000 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2024, and Missouri accounts for roughly 1,000 of those lost.
Thousands of families are forever changed by the unexpected and heartbreaking loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident. These tragedies are not just statistics; they represent lives cut short and futures that are altered in an instant.
Exploring the most common causes of fatal car accidents is essential for preventing future accidents and staying safe on the road. This blog aims to examine common causes for car crashes, from impaired driving to reckless and aggressive driving, and the importance of seeking legal guidance from an attorney experienced in car accident law.
Top Causes of Deadly Car Crashes
There are many potential causes for fatal car accidents. Some of these accidents could have been avoided and are usually caused by human error that places the lives of both the driver and other motorists in danger.
Though there are other causes for car accidents, like weather and vehicular issues, they only account for a small percentage of overall crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 94% of car crashes are caused by drivers.
The most common causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Reckless and aggressive driving
Let’s take a closer look at each of these causes, and individual measures that drivers can take to practice safe, defensive driving.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents in the United States. It’s a broad term that can apply to any situation where the driver is not fully paying attention to driving while operating their vehicle: their eyes are off the road (visual), their mind is off the road (cognitive), or their hands are off the steering wheel (manual).
The most common form of distracted driving is cell phone use, as more and more people have begun to use their phones while driving. Cell phones directly affect how drivers can process information and how quickly they can react while driving.
The NHTSA found that sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. When driving 55 mph, it’d be like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Though using a cell phone is the most common form of distracted driving, there are other kinds. Some different types of distracted driving include:
- Eating or drinking: When drivers eat or drink while driving, they often remove a hand from the wheel. Accidentally dropping food or spilling a beverage can create additional serious distractions.
- Animals or objects moving in the vehicle: Objects or animals unexpectedly moving in the car while driving can contribute to distracted driving. Instinctively, the driver will often reach for or try to catch the moving object, which takes their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.
- Personal care: Putting on makeup, styling hair, or general grooming can pull our eyes and attention away from the road.
Try to keep cell phones out of reach, and always keep your eyes and attention on the road and your hands on the wheel.
Speeding
Another of the most common causes of fatal car accidents is speeding. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, they reduce their ability to control their vehicle and increase the distance it takes to fully stop their car.
This increases the severity of collisions when they happen, and high-speed car crashes are often more devastating because of the tremendous initial force upon impact. Along with causing more impact damage, speeding increases the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle.
Small increases in speed can make it more difficult to navigate curving roads or handle challenging road conditions. It reduces the driver’s ability to react to obstacles or changes in traffic patterns, such as an oncoming vehicle merging into their lane or the car ahead of them slowing down.
Speed limits are there for a reason, and they are designed to give drivers enough time to brake for obstacles and other vehicles.
To avoid speeding on the roads, try to allow extra time to reach your destination to avoid feeling rushed and compelled to speed.
Drunk and Impaired Driving
Though there have been many national and local campaigns that have brought attention to the dangers of drunk driving, it is still one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents. Nearly 34 people die in drunk-driving accidents every day. Alcohol directly affects the way our brains function and impairs thought, reasoning, and coordination.
When driving under the influence, a driver can struggle to concentrate, react promptly, and make sound decisions while on the road. Impaired drivers often fail to stay in their lane, maintain a safe following distance, or avoid hazards.
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to drive, as 2,117 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2023 where the driver had a blood-alcohol content of .01% to .07%—the legal limit in the state of Missouri is .08%.
It is always recommended to have a designated driver or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to get home when any alcohol has been consumed.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving
In recent years, reckless and aggressive driving has become one of the common causes of fatal car accidents. Aggressive driving and road rage can include several behaviours, like tailgating, changing lanes abruptly without signaling, running red lights, and ignoring traditional traffic laws.
Actions like these can increase the likelihood of causing fatal car accidents, since the reckless drivers involved move in unpredictable ways on the road and often don’t consider the safety of others.
Being on the road with a driver who has become aggressive and reckless can be stressful and scary. It’s important to remain calm and patient and to never escalate tensions on the road.
Drowsy Driving
Driving while tired or drowsy has been shown to have similar impairment levels to those driving under the influence of alcohol. Even mild, short-term bouts of sleep deprivation can cause dangerous impairments to someone’s ability to drive.
Being tired while driving can slow your reaction time, cause your vision to become blurry or double, and can even lead to you falling asleep behind the wheel.
Take regular breaks during long drives and avoid driving when tired.
Legal Recourse After a Fatal Car Accident
Regardless of the cause of a fatal car accident, the consequences suffered are often the same. There will be grieving family members left mourning the loss of their loved one, having to grapple with an uncertain future.
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, it’s important to understand that you have rights. Car accident litigation, especially when there are fatal injuries involved, is both complex and challenging, requiring the support of an experienced attorney to handle the case effectively.
In some cases, a wrongful death lawsuit is the next step for families after the loss of a loved one, and can help hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
What is a wrongful death lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to seek justice and financial compensation for the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act.
It works to potentially hold another party accountable when their actions lead to a fatal accident, like crashes involving the most common causes of fatal car accidents (though it is not limited to accidents of this nature).
These types of lawsuits allow families to seek justice and find closure following the loss of a loved one, offering financial compensation for the damages incurred so they can focus on healing and moving forward.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?
In the state of Missouri, there are three categories of people who can file a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident. The first category of people who can file a claim includes the surviving spouse, children, parents, and grandchildren of the deceased.
The secondary category of individuals who can file a wrongful death claim is the deceased person’s siblings. This only applies if there are no surviving relatives in the first category. If there are no individuals in the second category, then the Court can appoint an individual to prosecute the claim on behalf of the decedent.
Contacting an attorney in a timely matter can help determine an individual’s eligibility to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
What types of compensation are available?
Wrongful death lawsuits often involve unique damages that non-fatal accidents do not have. These damages include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future income
- The reasonable value of the services, consortium, companionship, comfort, instruction, guidance, counsel, training, and support of the decedent
In addition, damages can be sought for the pain and suffering of the decedent before their passing, along with the pain and suffering caused to the survivors. An attorney’s litigation experience and negotiation skills are often crucial in wrongful death cases and play a vital role in securing proper compensation.
If the other involved driver’s insurance provider reaches out to you after an accident, avoid accepting any settlement offers, giving any statement, or signing any papers. Always consult with a lawyer before working with insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected..
Contact Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader for an Experienced Kansas City Fatal Car Crash Attorney
The road to justice after a fatal car accident is never easy, but it begins with understanding, accountability, and action. While no amount of awareness can undo these tragedies, understanding the common causes of fatal car accidents is a vital step toward prevention and accountability.
At Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader, we are committed to standing with families who have suffered unimaginable loss due to the preventable actions of others. If you or a loved one has been affected by a fatal collision, know that you do not have to face the legal and emotional aftermath alone.
To connect with an attorney, use our virtual case tool or call our office at (913) 266-2300 to speak with a member of our team today.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each individual case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you timely contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
