What Percentage of Car Crashes are Caused by Human Error?

Car crashes remain a serious concern on Alabama’s roads, with human error often playing a significant role in these incidents. These collisions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only those directly involved but also their families and the broader community. Human factors, ranging from distracted driving to poor decision-making, contribute to many crashes on our highways and local streets.

The Prevalence of Human Error in Alabama Car Crashes        

Human error is a leading cause of car accidents not just in Alabama, but across the United States. According to recent studies, an estimated 93% to 98% of all motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to some form of human error. In Alabama, this translates to a significant number of preventable crashes each year, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and property damage.  

Key statistics: 

• In 2023, Alabama reported 31,717 auto crashes. 

• There were 560 traffic fatalities on Alabama roads. 

• Nationally, human error is cited as a contributing factor in approximately 93% to 98% of accidents, although specific data for Alabama’s percentage is not readily available. 

Understanding the role of human error in car crashes is essential for both prevention and legal purposes.  

Common Types of Human Error Leading to Car Crashes        

Human error encompasses a wide range of behaviors and decisions that can lead to accidents: 

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of smartphones and in-car technology. Common distractions include: 

• Texting or using a smartphone 

• Eating or drinking 

• Adjusting the radio or GPS 

• Talking to passengers 

• Applying makeup or grooming 

Even a momentary distraction can have serious consequences. For example, looking at your phone for just five seconds while driving at 55 mph means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without watching the road. 

Impaired Driving 

Driving under the influence remains a significant problem in Alabama. Impairment can result from: 

• Alcohol consumption 

• Illegal drug use 

• Prescription medication side effects 

• Fatigue or drowsiness 

In Alabama, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, even lower levels of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times 

Aggressive Driving 

Aggressive driving behaviors contribute to many accidents and can escalate into dangerous road rage incidents. Examples include: 

• Speeding 

• Tailgating 

• Ignoring traffic signals 

• Cutting off other drivers 

• Excessive horn use 

• Verbal or physical confrontations 

Poor Decision-Making 

Sometimes, accidents result from a series of poor decisions or misjudgments: 

• Failure to yield right-of-way 

• Improper lane changes 

• Misjudging other drivers’ speed or distance 

• Ignoring weather conditions 

• Overestimating one’s driving abilities 

Inexperience 

New drivers, especially teenagers, are at higher risk of accidents due to: 

• Lack of practical driving skills 

• Unfamiliarity with local roads or traffic patterns 

• Overconfidence 

• Peer pressure 

Each of these factors can significantly increase the risk of an accident. In many cases, multiple forms of human error may contribute to a single crash, compounding the danger and potential for serious injuries. 

Legal Implications of Human Error in Car Accidents       

When human error leads to a car accident in Alabama, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. Understanding these can help you protect your rights and navigate the often complex process of seeking compensation. 

Negligence and Liability 

In Alabama, the party responsible for causing an accident through negligence can be held liable for damages. To prove negligence, you must establish: 

• The driver had a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely. 

• They breached this duty through their actions or inactions. 

• This breach directly caused the accident. 

• You suffered damages as a result. 

Damages may include: 

• Medical expenses (current and future) 

• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity 

• Property damage 

• Pain and suffering 

• Emotional distress 

Contributory Negligence 

Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it important to have skilled legal representation to protect your interests. 

For example, if you were speeding slightly when another driver ran a red light and hit you, the defense might argue that your speeding contributed to the accident, potentially barring you from recovery. 

Statute of Limitations 

In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as: 

• Cases involving minors. 

• Instances where the injury wasn’t immediately discoverable. 

It’s essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines. 

Insurance Claims 

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often try to minimize payouts. Common tactics include: 

• Offering quick, low settlements 

• Disputing the severity of injuries 

• Arguing that injuries were pre-existing 

• Delaying the claims process 

Having an experienced attorney on your side can help ensure you receive fair compensation and avoid common pitfalls in the claims process. 

Steps to Take Following a Car Accident Caused by Human Error       

If you’re involved in a car accident that you believe was caused by someone else’s error or negligence, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. 

• Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. 

• Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. 

• Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. 

• Gather information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved. 

• Obtain witness statements: If possible, get contact information from any witnesses. 

• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. 

• Report to your insurance company: Inform them of the accident, but avoid admitting fault. 

• Keep records: Maintain a file of all accident-related documents, including medical bills and correspondence with insurance companies. 

• Contact an experienced attorney: Consult with a personal injury lawyer before giving any statements to the other party’s insurance company. 

Remember, what you say and do in the immediate aftermath of an accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover damages later. 

Injured in an Alabama Car Accident? Contact Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell, P.A. for Assistance       

If you’ve been injured in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t navigate the complex legal process alone. The experienced attorneys at Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell, P.A. are here to help. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our expertise to work for you.