It’s clear from many studies that almost every single car accident that happens only takes place because of human error. A small number of accidents do happen for other reasons, but drivers making mistakes is the most common issue. That’s part of the reason some safety dvocates have pushed for self-driving cars, hoping to reduce the chances of a human mistake.
Wondering exactly what mistakes people tend to make? There are hundreds to choose from, but the three biggest categories that show up most often are:
- Not keeping a proper lookout
- Driving at an excessive speed
- Not paying attention while driving
The exact way that these play out may differ from case to case. For instance, a parent who is talking to children in the car could be said to be “not paying attention.” The same is true for a driver who is texting behind the wheel. You could say that children or the phone caused the crash, but the truth is that it’s the lack of attention — no matter how it happens.
In some cases, people make intentional mistakes. Speeding is a great example, as most drivers know they are speeding and choose to do so anyway. With things like not keeping a vigilant lookout or failing to pay attention, it may happen without the driver even realizing it. Both situations pose serious threats to other drivers.
Have you gotten badly injured due to someone else’s mistakes while they were sharing the road with you? You may be able to seek financial compensation for things like lost wages at work, high medical bills and more.