A single-car accident can cause extensive bodily injuries and property damage, especially when they involve multiple vehicles. Multi-vehicle accidents are also more complex from a legal perspective, particularly when it comes to establishing fault.
While multi-vehicle accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, some causes are more common than others. The following are a few reasons why these accidents occur.
Inclement weather
Rain and snow can make for terrible driving conditions, especially when motorists are not careful. Accordingly, bad weather is a factor in 21% of all yearly car accidents. When roads are slick, tire traction and vehicle control greatly decrease. To avoid these risks, responsible drivers should adjust their speed to maintain control should they encounter an unexpected slick patch.
Drunk driving
Drunk driving greatly reduces a person’s ability to make smart decisions behind the wheel. The results can be deadly, as 30% of all fatal accidents taking place between 2004 and 2018 occurred because of drunk driving. Alcohol consumption can affect cognition, decision-making, reflexes, and information processing. Because the practice is so hazardous, drunk drivers receive criminal charges in addition to being financially liable for the accident.
Careless driving
Careless or reckless driving includes behaviors like speeding and disobeying traffic laws. However, reckless driving also includes driving while distracted, which can be just as dangerous. Driving distractions, such as texting while driving, eating behind the wheel, or talking with passengers, contributed to 3,142 traffic fatalities in 2020 alone. Like drunk driving, distractions impair response times and reduce alertness.
While you cannot always avoid multi-vehicle accidents, safe driving can decrease your accident risk. Driving defensively also ensures you are alert to possible hazards and can respond accordingly.