Car accidents occur daily across California, from congested freeways in Los Angeles to rural highways in the Central Valley. While every collision has unique circumstances, investigators, safety experts, and experienced Fresno car accident lawyers consistently identify several recurring causes.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed remains one of the most common contributors to crashes. When drivers travel faster than posted limits or too fast for weather and road conditions, they reduce their ability to react to sudden hazards. Reckless driving behaviors such as weaving through lanes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals also place others at risk.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to play a significant role in roadway collisions. Impaired drivers experience slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced coordination, making them unable to safely operate a vehicle. California Vehicle Code sections impose strict penalties for those who drive with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit or while under the influence of controlled substances.
Distracted Driving
The rise of in-car technology in California along with cell phones has made distraction a leading cause of accidents. A driver who looks away from the road for even a few seconds can cause a devastating crash. Common distractions include texting, adjusting navigation systems, eating, or talking to passengers.
Unsafe Maneuvers and Traffic Violations
Many accidents are due to unsafe turns, failure to yield, or running red lights and stop signs. These violations create dangerous situations that leave little time for others to avoid a collision. Common examples include turning without signaling, driving the wrong way, or attempting to beat a light at an intersection.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigued driving is an often-overlooked cause of accidents. Tired drivers can drift between lanes, miss traffic signals, or fall asleep at the wheel. Long work hours, overnight shifts, and extended commutes are common causes.
Road and Environmental Conditions
Hazards on the road contribute to many accidents. Potholes, missing signs, faded lane markings, and poorly designed intersections increase risks for drivers. Weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or high winds also reduce visibility and traction. While drivers must adjust their speed and caution, road agencies also share responsibility for safe infrastructure.
Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures
Mechanical issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can also cause collisions. Regular maintenance prevents many of these problems, but defective parts sometimes reach consumers and create dangers that are outside the driver’s control.
What to Do After a Car Accident in California
Knowing what to do immediately after a collision protects your health, your rights, and any future claim for compensation:
Check for injuries: Call 911 if anyone needs emergency medical care.
Move to safety: If possible, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
Contact law enforcement: California law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Additionally, a police report can be critical to your insurance claim.
Exchange information: Share names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver.
Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Collect witness information if available.
Seek medical care: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly.
Consider legal guidance: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, an attorney can help protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are injured in a Fresno car accident, the attorneys at Freedman Law can help. We will work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve. Call 559-447-9000 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation and discuss your legal options with a Fresno car accident attorney.
