Getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle is an enormous responsibility that most of us undertake every day. When we choose to drive, we are agreeing to follow the rules of the road and to act in a manner that preserves the safety and wellbeing of both ourselves and all other motorists.
While you might always exercise caution when driving, you have no control over how other people choose to act when in control of a car. Unfortunately, studies have proved time and time again that most car accidents are caused by human error. This means that your ability to safely navigate I-10, 3rd Street, or Acadian Thruway may very well rest in the hands of drivers who are less than careful.
If you were hurt in a crash, please contact the law office of Bianca | Matkins as soon as possible so that we can schedule you for a complimentary consultation free of charge.
A Driver’s Duty of Care
As drivers, we owe other motorists a duty of care. This duty is a responsibility to drive safely and reduce the risk of causing an accident. Actions that fall under the duty of care include:
- Driving the speed limit
- Lowering your speed during periods of inclement weather or poor driving conditions
- Maintaining a safe following distance
- Signaling a turn or lane change by using a blinker
- Coming to a complete stop at all stop signs
- Keeping your phone out of reach
- Minimizing distractions
- Always driving sober and using a designated driver when drinking
- Never driving while tired or drowsy
Being a safe driver means accounting for not only your own needs and behaviors but also those of everyone you share the road with.
What Percentage of Car Accidents Are Caused by Human Error?
According to the General Services Administration Office of Motor Vehicle Management, errors made by drivers cause an astounding 98% of all motor vehicle accidents. This isn’t necessarily a new phenomenon, though.
A study from 1979 determined that human errors either contributed to or directly caused 93% of all investigated crashes in the U.S. That study cited improper lookout, excessive speed, and inattention as the top three human-made errors. Despite a rapidly changing driving landscape, including changing laws about seat belt usage and maximum speed limits, we have not been able to lower the percentage of accidents caused by driver errors over the past four decades.
Although you cannot control how another driver chooses to behave behind the wheel, you can choose to drive with a safety-first mindset. To do this, you must first be aware of some of the most dangerous driving behaviors and human errors that cause car accidents or increase the risk of injury in Louisiana.
Common Human Errors That Cause Accidents
The NHTSA cites the following as the top six most common examples of human errors while driving:
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Speeding
- Driver distraction or inattention
- Making incorrect assumptions about what other drivers will do
- Following too closely/tailgating
- Pulling out into traffic before checking
We know that these are not the only errors that can contribute to or cause a car accident, though. As we drive to work, pick up kids from school, or meet up with friends for a night out, we regularly witness other drivers using Louisiana roads in unsafe and dangerous ways. Every Baton Rouge car accident attorney at Bianca | Matkins has the background, skills, and knowledge to build a strong personal injury claim for a car accident involving any of the following driver errors:
- Texting and driving
- Taking photos or videos
- Physically manipulating a phone
- Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
- Eating or drinking
- Applying makeup or grooming
- Reaching for items in a purse, floorboard, or backseat
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while drowsy, fatigued, or tired
- Failing to signal a turn or lane change
- Ignoring the right-of-way
- Turning in front of oncoming traffic
- Braking too hard or unexpectedly
- Brake checking (tapping the brakes to anger a following driver)
- Failing to properly adjust side or rearview mirrors
- Remaining in the left lane even when not passing or overtaking a vehicle
What Should I Do if Another Driver Hits Me?
If another driver caused your accident through their negligent or reckless behind-the-wheel actions, you may have legal standing to recover compensation for your related damages, both economic (financial) and non-economic (non-financial). These damages may encompass your missed paychecks, medical bills, auto repair bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more.
The actions you take in the aftermath of an accident caused by human error can be critical to the overall success of your case. Preserving as much evidence as possible is crucial, which is why we recommend taking pictures and photographs while still at the scene of the accident. Be sure to capture as much of the following as possible:
- Driving conditions (including inclement weather and damaged road surfaces)
- Skid marks and debris
- Damage to all involved vehicles
- Damaged property (such as street signs or guardrails)
Bring these images and videos with you when you meet with Bianca | Matkins for your free consultation.
While still at the scene of the accident, notify authorities of the crash and request emergency services. Speak with the police about the facts of the accident. Allow yourself to be evaluated by EMTs and, if necessary, transported to the hospital. Schedule an appointment with your regular doctor.
Once you’ve attended to your health and medical needs, contact Bianca | Matkins to schedule a no-cost case evaluation. We’ll walk you through your legal options in a no-obligation setting and are prepared to be your steadfast legal representatives should you choose to move forward with a personal injury claim.
Bianca | Matkins Stands Up for Accident Victims
Research clearly shows that most car accidents are caused by human error. If you’ve been injured because of another person’s behavior, we know how much your life has already been knocked off course—and we want to be part of the solution to get it back on track.
We are proud to offer free consultations to Baton Rouge car accident and injury victims. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. ASL services are available upon request.
