Every year, thousands of car accidents occur across the United States, and Las Vegas, Nevada is no exception. In fact, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), the Las Vegas metro area had 50,312 car accident injuries in a recent two-year period. These accidents will often leave victims overwhelmed, dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Understanding the common causes of car accidents and determining who’s at fault is crucial for protecting your rights as a driver or victim.
At its core, car accident fault boils down to negligence. The question becomes, which party failed to uphold their responsibility to drive safely? Below, we explore the most common causes of car accidents along with insights into who is typically held accountable.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents nationwide. This includes texting, browsing GPS, eating, or even talking to passengers while driving. Any of these actions can take your focus off the road, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Who’s at fault?
If a distracted driver causes an accident, they are almost always found at fault. For example, if a driver rear-ends your car while texting and driving, their negligence makes them liable for damages.
2. Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, such as a pedestrian crossing the road or a sudden stop in traffic. It also increases the severity of collisions.
Who’s at fault?
Typically, the speeding driver is held responsible. The faster a driver goes, the more difficult it becomes to control the car or stop in time to avoid a crash.
3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, all of which are crucial for safe driving. DUI accidents are devastating, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Who’s at fault?
A driver found to be under the influence at the time of an accident is almost always liable. DUI laws in Nevada are strict, aiming to prevent such accidents and hold offenders accountable.
4. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Ignoring traffic signals is another leading cause of accidents, especially in busy intersections. This reckless behavior often results in high-speed T-bone collisions that can cause severe injuries.
Who’s at fault?
The driver who runs the red light or stop sign is deemed legally negligent. Traffic cameras or witness statements can often prove fault in these scenarios.
5. Tailgating
Following too closely reduces reaction time if the car in front needs to stop suddenly. Tailgating is a common behavior that often ends with rear-end collisions, especially during periods of heavy traffic.
Who’s at fault?
In these cases, the driver who was tailgating will typically be held responsible, as maintaining a safe distance between vehicles is their duty.
6. Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, or icy roads can quickly create hazardous driving conditions. However, most weather-related accidents are not caused by the weather itself but by a driver’s inability to adjust their behavior to the conditions.
Who’s at fault?
Drivers who fail to slow down or take proper precautions in bad weather may be deemed negligent. For example, speeding on a rainy road despite limited visibility puts other drivers at risk.
7. Vehicle Defects
Sometimes, accidents aren’t caused by driver error at all but rather by equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
Who’s at fault?
If the accident was caused by a mechanical defect, the manufacturer may be held liable. However, if it’s determined that a driver failed to maintain their vehicle (e.g., driving with worn-out brakes), they could also share some blame.
Determining Fault After a Car Accident
Determining fault after a car accident requires gathering evidence and piecing together what happened. Key steps often include:
- Police Reports: Officers at the scene will document the accident and may cite which driver was responsible.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from bystanders can help establish who was negligent.
- Traffic Cameras: Footage can serve as compelling proof, especially for accidents at intersections.
- Accident Reconstruction: Experts may analyze the crash to determine how it occurred.
Fault is typically assigned to the driver who violated traffic laws or safety rules. Keep in mind that Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning fault can be shared between parties. For example, if one driver was speeding and the other ran a stop sign, both may bear some liability.
Protecting Your Rights With A Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
If you've been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, it's essential that you get legal representation so you are not alone in the complex process. Whether you're dealing with medical bills, insurance claims, or property damage costs, knowing your rights and options is a must.
This is where having an experienced attorney can make a difference. A legal expert will evaluate your case, prove liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Cohan PLLC is here to help. With years of experience serving drivers and accident victims in Las Vegas, we’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and getting you back on track after the tragedy.
Contact us today (702) 623-3579 for a free initial consultation.