Common Causes of Car Accidents in Delaware

Fighting for auto accident victims from offices in Wilmington, Newark and Seaford, DE

Despite all of the advances in technology designed to make automobiles more safe on the roads, there are still millions of car accidents every year in the U.S. Auto accidents continue to be the leading cause of personal injury in this country, and the leading cause of auto accidents by far is simply driver error. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, which examined 2,198,000 crashes involving 3,945 drivers, the critical reason for the crash was assigned to the driver in 94% of the crashes. In 2% of the crashes the critical reason was attributed to vehicle component failure, and another 2% attributed to the environment (slick, icy roads, poor weather conditions).

In March 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that in 45% of fatal crashes, “the drivers of passenger vehicles were engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors: speeding, alcohol impairment, or not wearing a seat belt.”

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we understand that after you have been injured in a car accident, what you want most of all is to get better. We understand how worried you are – about your family, about your bills, about being out of work – and we are always there to answer your questions and assuage those worries. We maintain offices in Newark, Seaford, and Wilmington so that there is always a trusted Delaware auto accident lawyer close to where you are whenever you need help.

Common causes of auto accidents

Driver error can take countless forms when it comes to causing a car accident, but there are also other factors that can contribute to a crash. Our attorneys know what to do when you have been hurt in a car crash related to:

• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is an epidemic. Forbes reports, “Although cell phone use has declined since 2012, drivers are faced with new distractions thanks to the rise of infotainment systems and in-vehicle screens. Due to this new technology, using devices while driving increased from 1.5% in 2012 to 3.4% in 2021.”
• Drunk or drugged driving. Even as there has been a steady decline in alcohol-related crashes since 2007, there has been an increase in marijuana and other drug use causing traffic crashes and fatalities. The NHTSA reports that in 2020, 56% of drivers involved in serious injury or fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug.
• Hazardous roadways. Potholes, faulty guardrails, inadequate signage, and safety equipment are all factors that can contribute to car accidents. Crumbling, poorly maintained roadways, and inadequate lighting in more rural areas and along curves can also contribute to an accident.
• Defective auto parts. Brake failure, poorly inflated tires, broken taillights, faulty brake lights and turn signals – all of these equipment defects can contribute to auto accidents. When a car crash is caused by a defective auto part, our lawyers will fight to hold the manufacturer responsible, too.

Speeding, road rage and drowsy driving among other driver errors also contribute to car accidents that kill and injure millions, and cost billions in property damage every year. Regardless of what caused your car crash or collision, the experienced auto accident attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are always here to help you pursue compensation for your injury and continue with your life.

Contact our competent car accident lawyers in Seaford to pursue your case

The attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman provide the legal advice you need to achieve the results you are looking for after a painful car accident. Fill out our contact form or call our offices for a free initial consultation at one of our offices in Wilmington, Newark or Seaford. When you’re ready to talk a Delaware auto accident lawyer who fights for your future, we’re ready to listen.