Learn About the Leading Causes of Car Accidents From a Washington Personal Injury Lawyer’s Experience
A sudden impact, the confusing aftermath, and the stress of injury recovery after a vehicle collision is a totally overwhelming time. The added strain of mounting medical bills and a loss of income creates even more challenges. Fortunately, if you can prove that a negligent driver caused your auto crash, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Max Meyers Law, our experienced Washington car accident lawyer understands how being in a wreck can turn your life upside down. Since 1997, Attorney Max Meyers has helped car accident victims obtain the justice and compensation they’re entitled to for their suffering. He’s dedicated to providing trusted guidance so you understand your rights and how a negligent motorist should be held accountable for your losses.
Why Understanding the Cause of Your Washington Car Accident Is Crucial 
One critical advantage we offer you is the ability to thoroughly investigate all evidence related to the crash and determine why it happened. This attention to detail is necessary for proving the other driver was at fault and building a strong foundation with all the elements of your car accident claim.
While you might be able to piece together certain facts on your own, it’s more challenging to manage while you’re recovering from the physical and psychological damage of the incident. When you have the legal team from Max Meyers Law on your side, it’s our sole responsibility to follow the evidence, preserve it, get eyewitness testimonies, and consult with experts who can further define the reasons for the crash.
8 Top Causes of Car Accidents in Washington
Unfortunately, in 2023, there were approximately 700 fatal collisions and nearly 3,000 serious injury crashes in The Evergreen State. A driver’s negligence is often the major reason tragic collisions occur on our roads and highways. This irresponsibility is due to many factors:
- Speeding. Driving too fast dramatically increases the risk of auto accidents and the severity of injuries that victims suffer. There’s less time to react to traffic conditions, making it more difficult to avoid collisions.
- Distracted driving. Texting, eating, using GPS, and other distracted driving behaviors have declined in Washington, but they still pose a vital threat. According to Washington’s Traffic Safety Commission, “research shows that it can take a driver 27 seconds to refocus on the road after using a cell phone—the time it can take to drive the length of three football fields in a car moving at 25 mph.”
- Fatigue. Drowsy motorists have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, similar to those driving under the influence of alcohol. If they fight to stay awake or fall asleep at the wheel, they can cause a deadly head-on collision or rear-end crash.
- Intoxication. Driving while drunk or high on drugs is one of the most dangerous behaviors a person can do. Intoxicated drivers have impaired motor skills, reduced reaction times, and poor decision-making abilities.
- Aggressive driving. Tailgating, making improper lane changes, and other aggressive driving behaviors are leading causes of tragic car accidents. What’s even more deadly is road rage.
- Neglecting weather conditions. Drivers who don’t adjust their speed and other actions due to bad weather conditions put themselves and others at risk.
- Poor road conditions. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper signage can also contribute to accidents. A local governmental agency responsible for road maintenance could be held liable if we prove its negligence caused your crash.
- Failure to obey traffic laws. Unfortunately, many auto accidents are caused when motorists fail to follow Washington’s traffic laws. Disregarding traffic signals, running red lights, and not yielding the right of way are just a few reasons why negligent drivers cause victims to suffer life-altering injuries in a preventable wreck.
How Max Meyers Law Helps You Pursue Different Types of Car Accident Compensation
There are numerous economic and non-economic damages related to accident injuries. Even seemingly minor incidents can still produce complicated health issues and property damage. But in more severe crashes, such as semi-truck accidents or motorcycle wrecks, it’s all too common for people to suffer traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, or paralysis.
At Max Meyers Law, our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your losses. We evaluate every aspect of how the crash affects you now and in the future. Here’s what we may be able to recover for you in a comprehensive settlement:
- Medical expenses. Under Washington law, you’re entitled to be reimbursed for your medical costs resulting from the crash. This includes emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and any other necessary medical treatments to treat your injuries.
- Lost wages. If you cannot work because of your injuries, we assess the income, sick and vacation time, and other perks you lost during your recovery period. You may also be awarded lost earning capacity damages if you’re unable to work or must switch jobs due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering. You should receive pain and suffering damages for the physical and emotional distress you endured as a result of the collision. We have the experience to accurately determine how much compensation you should receive in a settlement.
- Property damage. It’s also important to factor in reimbursement for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful death. If a loved one died as a result of their car accident injuries, you may be able to file a wrongful death action and obtain damages for your financial and emotional losses. While this won’t take away the excruciating pain of losing your family member, it can give you a sense of justice and help you move forward in life.
To learn more about your rights after a devastating crash with a negligent motorist, request our free book, Car Accident Secrets Unlocked.
