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Common Causes of Traffic Accidents

Common Causes of Traffic Accidents When a serious traffic accident occurs in Northeastern North Carolina, there may be one primary cause or multiple factors contributing to the crash. Certain factors such as inattention, speeding and alcohol use show up repeatedly in accident reports. In many cases, contributing factors lead to a preventable accident and senseless injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an automobile accident caused by another driver, talk to a knowledgeable Northeastern NC personal injury attorney about your legal rights.

The experienced personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Glover Law Firm understand the many ways that negligent drivers cause serious injury accidents. We are ready to help if you have been injured in a serious car accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident in Northeastern North Carolina, including Elizabeth City, Currituck County and the Outer Banks. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we obtain money for you.

For a free consultation, contact an experienced Northeastern North Carolina car accident lawyer today at (252) 299-5300 or contact us using our online form.

Contributing Causes of Traffic Accidents in North Carolina

When a preventable accident occurs in Northeastern North Carolina, chances are that one or more of the following common driver errors contributed to the crash. Preventable accidents can cause serious injuries and deaths. In Elizabeth City, four people died in fatal crashes in 2009, the most recent year of complete data, according to the DMV crash facts report.

Two factors— failure to reduce speed and inattention—were cited as contributors to more than one out of every five traffic accidents in North Carolina, according to the latest data released by the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. A driver’s failure to reduce speed contributed to more than 51,700 crashes in North Carolina in 2009, according to the DMV report. Meanwhile, inattention was listed as a contributing cause in 48,000 crashes in North Carolina, including 130 fatal accidents.

In fatal accidents, the most commonly cited contributing factors are operating a vehicle in a reckless manner and crossing the centerline/going the wrong way. Each was listed in more than 9 percent of fatal accidents in North Carolina. Drinking and driving was cited in 8 percent of fatal accidents, according to the DMV crash facts report.

Ranked according to the total number of crashes involved, the complete list of the most frequently cited contributing circumstances to crashes in North Carolina includes:

  • Failure to reduce speed—51,725 crashes
  • Inattention—48,066
  • Failure to yield—33,240
  • Driving too fast for conditions—20,582
  • Driving recklessly—11,589
  • Unable to determine—10,093
  • Alcohol use—9,005
  • Crossed centerline/going wrong way—8,492
  • Overcorrected/oversteered—8,091
  • Improper lane change—7,159
  • Improper turn—7,052
  • Disregarded traffic signals—6,435.

An investigating police officer may identify the most obvious factor in a traffic accident. But they may overlook other contributing factors in their rush to file an accident report. It’s important to have an experienced traffic accident attorney review your car accident or truck accident and identify all the contributing causes. In multi-car accidents, more than one driver may have contributed to the accident and be liable.

Contact Our North Carolina Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in a serious car accident, motorcycle accident or truck accident in Currituck County, elsewhere on the Outer Banks, or anywhere in Northeastern North Carolina, you need the guidance of an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer. If you were injured through the fault of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Glover Law Firm, we will evaluate your accident free of charge and advise you whether you have a valid personal injury claim.

The Northeastern NC personal injury lawyers of Glover Law Firm, have successfully represented thousands of injury victims and their families during 28 years of practice. We work on a contingency basis, so we do not get paid unless we obtain money for you. Our personal injury law firm has obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Northeastern North Carolina.

Contact an experienced Northeastern NC car accident lawyer today at (252) 299-5300 or contact us using our online form.

Client Reviews
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"Mr. Glover & his firm are very professional, fast, informative and on top of it! He helped me with my personal injury case and I could not have asked for anything better. Thank you to your firm for making my life better during a trying time. He actually cares about his client's well being and that is not something you come across often. I am thankful!" Chanel N.
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"Danny helped my mom when she was badly injured and he was so great and he explained everything she needed to know. He kept her very informed on what was going on every day." Jenniffer B.
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"Danny is amazing. So helpful, informative, & understanding. I'd recommend him to anyone in NC who needs great representation! He's been there every step of the way, for over a year now helping me understand all the ins and outs of my personal injury case from an automobile accident for my son and I. He truly is one of a kind!" Nikki D.
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"I can’t express how much Danny helped me after my car wreck. He stood by me for three years through three surgeries, physical therapy, and learning to walk again. His work ethic is top notch! He always answered any question I had quickly and truthfully. I never dreamed I could get the settlement I did! If it wasn’t for Danny I would have settled for much less. I will recommend Danny to everyone I talk to! He’s the best." Laura P.
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"My daughter was in a terrible car accident. We were so worried about medical bills, the rehabilitation she would need, the scars on her beautiful body, and the permanent damage to her shoulder and back. Trying to think about focusing on getting well is close to impossible when you’re faced with all of that worry. After ONE meeting with Danny Glover, the worry was gone and the healing began ..." Kim D.