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What Is the Most Common Cause of a Collision?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

The most common cause of an auto collision is distracted driving. Other risk factors for auto accidents include speeding, disregarding road signs, improper turns, and driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a drug.

Whatever caused your accident, it’s important to contact KGG Law today to arrange your private consultation. Our capable car accident lawyers stand ready to help.

Using smart phones while driving is never smart

Smart phones may have many advantages, but they can also distract us at the worst possible times, like when we’re barreling down the highway at 70 miles per hour.

Distracted driving, including texting while driving, is our nation’s leading cause of automotive accidents. In fact, almost 400,000 Americans were injured due to distracted driving in 2015 alone. The numbers have only gone up in the years since.

Fortunately, hands-free devices make it possible to keep our eyes on the road while we’re on a call. But far too many people still allow distractions to take their minds off of driving. This problem will continue to plague us until we learn to leave our devices alone while we’re behind the wheel.

Distracted driving involves more than just smart phone use

Distracted driving concerns more than just smart phone use behind the wheel. Any additional task performed while driving can lead to a wreck. Here are some real-life examples:

Fiddling with the car stereo: It’s better to miss your favorite song than to wind up in the hospital or to cause someone else to be hurt.
Failing to control your emotions: Losing your cool and shouting at the person who just cut you off can distract you from making level-headed decisions behind the wheel.
Letting worry or fear take your mind off the road: Ruminating on problems you’re facing can cause you to miss important danger signs on the road and forget to take proper precautionary maneuvers.
Searching for lost objects beneath the seat: Ducking down for even a few seconds to look for a lost object can lead to tragedy. Even a few seconds with your eyes off the road can have serious consequences.

See below for other common causes of car collisions.

Speed still kills

Driving too fast is another leading cause of auto collisions. When you drive over the speed limit, you significantly increase the risk of getting into a car accident. It’s better to leave for your destination a few minutes early than to break the law.

A wrong turn can be bad for your health

Wrong turns are another leading cause of auto accidents. This is especially true for left-hand turns. In fact, studies show that turning left is the leading cause of intersection accidents nationwide.

This is true for many reasons. For one thing, a left-hand turn exposes your vehicle to oncoming traffic, which may be moving faster than you think. Another reason why left-hand turns are so dangerous is that headlights, sunlight, and sometimes even traffic lights can disrupt your vision and distract you. Wearing sunglasses or using a visor may help to reduce blinding glare.

Running red lights or stop signs

One of the most dangerous things you can do on the road is run a red light or a stop sign since other drivers will not be on the lookout for your car.

When it’s not your fault

Sometimes you can follow all the rules of the road and still end up in an auto accident. If that happens, then the first thing to do is to seek medical attention right away. After that, consider calling a Rockland County or Bergen County car accident attorney. Here’s why:

To maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation: Working with a law firm lets insurance companies and negligent parties know that you’re serious about standing up for your rights.
To know all of your options: It takes a skilled legal professional to spot all of the aspects of an auto accident, including which parties played a role in causing your injuries.
To feel better about yourself: Talking to an attorney is a positive, proactive step that can give you a welcome sense of self-empowerment.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. has been representing clients here in the New York/New Jersey area since 1975. Get in touch with us today to arrange your free case review.

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 80 days ago
 
 
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 89 days ago
 
 
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 95 days ago
 
 
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 131 days ago
 
 
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 138 days ago
 
 
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 141 days ago
 
 
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 142 days ago
 
 
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