Most car accidents, in fact about 90 – 95% are caused by human error.  People are often distracted by mobile phones, children of even a spilt drink.  Using a hand-held mobile phone is now illegal and this legislation has been introduced because it was found that people using mobile phones whilst driving were four times more likely to have a car accident than those who were not.  Studies have shown that even the use of hands-free mobile, even though legal, causes a substantial distraction.  Road safety campaigners recommend that mobile phones are turned off altogether in the car.

Driving too quickly is a major contributory factor in a large number of car accidents. Drink or drug driving and tiredness are factors which can affect our ability to judge speed, direction and distance and can all contribute to car accidents.

Road Maintenance is responsible for about 7% of accidents.  Poor or badly maintained road surfaces can be extremely hazardous.  Insufficient road drainage can lead to flooding making cars vulnerable to skidding and in freezing conditions, the flood water can freeze over making the road surface extremely slippery.  Badly positioned road signs can cause an obstruction and prevent a driver from having a clear view of the road ahead.

Finally, it is estimated that 3% of car accidents are caused by vehicle failure or badly maintained vehicles. Some of these failures are due to inherent design or production problems.  However, the majority of accidents in this category happen because of badly maintained cars – faulty lights, problems with breaks, worn or incorrectly inflated tyres.

If you have been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault you may be entitled to make a claim and you should seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer.