Burlington Car Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Iowans in Claims Against Negligent Drivers & Their Insurance Providers

Attorney Pothitakis is an aggressive lawyer who will travel to help you recover maximum damages. Auto accidents are a leading cause of personal injury in the United States. A victim of a car crash may sustain lifelong injuries and disability as a result of the accident.

The costs associated with treatment, lost wages and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death are all consequences of a crash that can lead to financial compensation. Seeking compensation is an important step for crash victims, as the expenses following a crash cause many to face financial hardship.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

A car accident refers to an incident involving one or more vehicles that results in damage to property, injury, or death. These accidents can occur due to various reasons, including human error, mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or road hazards. Car accidents can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions.

Here are some common types of car accidents:

• Rear-end collision: This occurs when one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle. It often happens due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden braking.
• Head-on collision: In this type of accident, the front ends of two vehicles collide with each other. Head-on collisions are often severe and can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially at high speeds.
• Side-impact (T-bone) collision: This occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. Side-impact collisions commonly happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way.
• Sideswipe collision: This type of accident happens when the sides of two parallel-moving vehicles make contact with each other. It can occur due to lane merging or drifting out of lanes.
• Single-vehicle accident: This involves only one vehicle and can result from various factors such as loss of control, hitting an object on the road, or flipping over due to sharp turns.
• Multi-vehicle pile-up: Also known as a chain-reaction collision, this involves multiple vehicles colliding with each other in a sequence. Multi-vehicle pile-ups often occur on highways and freeways, especially in adverse weather conditions.
• Rollover accident: This happens when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Rollovers are more likely to occur with vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs and trucks, especially during sharp turns or collisions.
• Hit and run: This occurs when a driver involved in an accident flees the scene without providing their information or rendering aid to others involved. Hit-and-run accidents are illegal and can result in severe penalties for the fleeing driver.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur due to a variety of factors. However, the most common cause is often human error.

The following are the common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving, which includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using navigation systems while driving. When drivers divert their attention from the road, they are more likely to miss important cues and react slowly to hazards.
• Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions increases the likelihood of accidents. Speeding reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations, increases stopping distances, and magnifies the severity of collisions.
• Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Intoxicated drivers have reduced ability to focus on the road and make sound decisions, making them more prone to collisions.
• Reckless driving: Erratic or aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and ignoring traffic signs contribute to accidents. Reckless drivers endanger themselves and others on the road by disregarding safety rules and disregarding the rights of other motorists.
• Fatigue: Driving while fatigued or drowsy impairs cognitive abilities and reaction times, similar to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fatigued drivers may nod off or have slower reflexes, making them more susceptible to accidents, especially during long-distance trips or late-night driving.
• Inexperienced drivers: Novice or inexperienced drivers may lack the skills and confidence to handle challenging driving situations, increasing their likelihood of accidents. Lack of experience in anticipating and reacting to hazards on the road makes new drivers more vulnerable to crashes.