Human Factors Causing Car Accidents

Dedicated Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyers Serving the Boston Area

When car crashes happen, they are rarely just “accidents.” Usually, one or more of the drivers involved caused or contributed to the crash by acting carelessly. For example, people often use technology or get distracted in other ways behind the wheel, putting other motorists at risk. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston car accident attorneys proudly assist Massachusetts residents with examining their situation to determine whether they are entitled to damages. There are many different human factors potentially at play in a car crash, and it is critical to consult a personal injury lawyer who focuses on car accident cases. Even if it seems clear to you that the defendant was driving negligently, it is not always straightforward to gather the required evidence to prove your case and to win a judgment or settlement. We are ready to help you assert your legal rights.

Human Factors Causing Car Accidents

Although some car accidents are results of external factors, such as roadway hazards or inclement weather, most accidents result from a driver’s failure to use adequate care behind the wheel. One key human factor leading to accidents is distraction. Cell phones alone are to blame for many crashes. Between texting, surfing the web, or using email or other apps, many drivers pay more attention to their device than the road or pedestrians around them. Taking your eyes off the road to look at your phone may only feel like a few seconds, but accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

Another major human factor behind many accidents is impaired driving. When you get behind the wheel after having too many drinks, your reaction time and reflexes are drastically compromised. Intoxicated driving also includes driving under the influence of medications, whether these are prescribed or illegal substances. Although many tech companies are working on crash warning systems to predict incidences of human error and to reduce accidents, they still remain a primary cause of car crashes in Massachusetts.

Seeking Damages After an Avoidable Accident

If another driver caused you to suffer injuries in a car accident, an injury lawyer may be able to obtain compensation for your damages. There are several different elements that a plaintiff’s lawyer must prove before he or she can obtain compensation for you. The main legal theory in these claims is negligence. In general, we all have a duty to use reasonable care and skill behind the wheel, similar to how a prudent and careful driver would act. If the defendant fails to adhere to this standard, he or she will be deemed negligent. Many of the human factors causing car accidents discussed above fall into the category of negligent conduct, such as texting while driving or drunk driving.

After showing that the defendant was negligent, your attorney must prove that this negligence was a direct and foreseeable cause of the injuries that you sustained. This means that even if the defendant was negligent, you will not be entitled to damages unless we can show that you would not have been harmed but for the defendant’s conduct. The final stage of the lawsuit involves providing evidence to prove that you suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s conduct. Damages can include past and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering, among others. It is critical to speak with a seasoned legal professional about your potential claim to ensure that you seek all of the damages that you deserve.

Consult a Tenacious Boston Attorney Following a Serious Crash

After an accident, there may be many questions to answer and challenges to resolve. Whether you are dealing with intransigent insurance companies, facing debilitating injuries, or simply seeking to learn more about your legal rights, we are here for you. Our team proudly provides legal counsel to victims in cities such as Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield. To schedule your free consultation with an attorney, call us at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online to get started.