What Causes 94 Percent of Car Accidents?

 Posted on February 28, 2025 in Auto Accidents

In 2022, 298,347 motor vehicle accidents occurred in Illinois, causing 1,268 deaths and 83,783 injuries. That equates to around 817 collisions daily, with nine people sustaining injuries every hour. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94 percent of all traffic crashes are the result of human error, making them avoidable. That means 280,446 Illinois crashes in 2022 probably could have been prevented.

When negligent errors cause collisions, injured victims may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. However, the at-fault party’s insurance company is unlikely to offer a fair settlement unless you have an experienced Aurora, IL car accident attorney advocating for your best interests.

What Driver Errors Are Likely to Cause Crashes?

Anyone operating a motor vehicle is supposed to pay careful attention to traffic, drive a reasonably well-maintained vehicle, and be prepared to make quick corrective actions when necessary to avoid a collision. These obligations are true whether you are riding a motorcycle or driving a tractor-trailer. Sadly, almost every driver makes careless mistakes at some point, and those errors sometimes cause injury-producing crashes.

Any form of negligence that leads to a delayed reaction is an accident risk. Distracted driving is a top cause of collisions, along with driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue. Aggressive behaviors, like tailgating and weaving between lanes, can contribute to road rage. Failing to yield the right of way and improper merging or passing often leads to serious, high-speed crashes. Speeding can contribute to causing an accident and can make the resulting injuries and property damage worse.

What Does a Personal Injury Claim Involve?

It would be nice if you could just accuse someone else of causing your crash, file an insurance claim, and receive a large payment. In reality, a personal injury claim is much more complex. As long as your own degree of fault is less than 50 percent, you can pursue compensation.  

First, you need evidence to prove that another party caused your accident. If a driver is cited for a traffic violation, such as speeding or driving under the influence, that citation can serve as evidence. However, you can file a claim even if no ticket was issued. You need additional evidence to validate your damages, which may include:

• Lost wages

• Medical expenses

• Property damage

• Pain and suffering

You also need to know how to calculate how much your case is worth because the insurance company’s first settlement offer will probably be extremely low. It is not that the insurer does not know how much they should pay; they just do not want to pay it. You can negotiate with the company for a reasonable figure or take your case to trial.

Various complications can arise in these cases, which could make it even more challenging to recover the compensation you are entitled to. With a competent attorney by your side, we will do all we can to achieve optimal results.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Aurora, IL Car Accident Lawyer

When you choose Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., you benefit from over 100+ years of combined experience. We know how to hold at-fault parties accountable for your injuries and related damages. Send us an online message or call 630-907-0909 now to arrange your free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Kane County, IL personal injury attorneys.