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Virginia car accident provides opportunity to discuss causes of crashes

A Virginia teen is recovering from serious injuries after involvement in a tragic car accident on the 28th of December, 2013. The crash was the result of a vehicle attempting to make a left hand turn. According to reports, the vehicle entered oncoming traffic and was struck on the driver’s side. The 73 year-old driver of the vehicle attempting to make the left hand turn died on the scene, while three in the other vehicle were rushed to local hospitals for treatment.

The car accident serves as a reminder that vehicles attempting to turn left must carefully gauge the speed of oncoming traffic. Failure to do so can lead to devastating consequences. The accident also serves as an opportunity to discuss some of the common causes of car crashes and tips to help avoid them.

Common causes of car crashes

Drivers.com, a website sponsored by PDE Publications, a group that specializes in driver behavior, traffic safety and driving issues in the United States, recently released an article outlining the three most common causes of car accidents in the U.S. The top causes include:

  • Distracted driving. This category can cover a range of activities: eating, changing the radio station, checking a navigation device, texting or talking on a cellphone. A driver owes a duty to others on the road to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. A driver that is not paying attention is failing to meet this duty and could cause an accident. This category was, according to Drivers.com, the most common cause of accidents in the U.S.
  • Speeding. Going above the posted speed limit increases one’s risk of involvement in an accident. According to this same article, violation of this law was responsible for one third of all car crashes.
  • Drunk driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, close to one out of every three traffic deaths are connected to drunk driving violations.

Although it is unclear if one of these factors played a role in the above mentioned crash, investigators will likely consider these possibilities.

Common causes and Virginia state law

The findings in the Drivers.com report support the fact that these activities are illegal in Virginia. According to state law, drivers cannot text, speed or operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident and believe the other driver was responsible due to one of these or another factor, compensation may be available to help cover the cost of medical and rehabilitative needs. Contact an experienced Virginia car accident attorney to discuss your situation and better ensure your legal rights and any potential remedies are protected.