What Percentage of Car Accidents Are Caused by Driver Error?

Car accidents happen every day, injuring millions and taking the lives of more than 40,000 people per year. In 2021, we saw a 16-year high number of car accident fatalities, and that’s not counting the number of injuries, minor accidents, or the dollar figure of the property damage incurred outside of these tragedies. If you add it all up, you get an alarming number, but behind each of these situations are people who have had their lives changed forever, and it’s not always their fault.

Sifting through car accident statistics will make you never want to get behind the wheel again, but there’s one more important piece of data that affects almost all motor vehicle accidents that occur. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of all car accidents are the result of driver error. Whether it’s a minor error or a major one matters little, as the most significant piece to consider from this data is that not all accidents are complete accidents. However, negligence, or the legal term “a breach in duty of care,” isn’t always easy to detect, nor is it easy to prove in a lawsuit or settlement negotiation.

If you suspect—or know—that your accident was the result of third-party negligence, your best option is to team up with a car accident lawyer sooner rather than later. There’s a lot to handle after an accident, and not everyone has the strength to endure drawn-out legal proceedings after sustaining an injury. For some, medical treatment will take up most of their days after the accident and limit their ability to begin the legal process at all. Having an attorney by your side puts someone in your corner who can handle all those aspects of your case while you recover, which can be priceless after an already stressful endeavor.

But, as you’d expect, not all law firms are the same, and there’s a bit of research that goes into selecting the attorney that will represent you. You’ll have to consider their level of experience, of course, but you’ll also have to factor in the cost of each option as well. Fortunately, you’ve essentially skipped the line by landing on this page because Morgan and Morgan, America’s largest personal injury firm, operates on a contingency that allows anyone to afford a proficient attorney after an accident that wasn’t their fault.

With over $20 billion recovered on behalf of our clients, offices from coast to coast, and more than 1,000 trial-ready attorneys ready to advocate for the fullest extent of the compensation you deserve, the answer is clear. Morgan and Morgan is the right choice for a car accident lawyer after a third party’s carelessness caused you pain, and we have a proven track record to back up our claims.

Complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started.

What’s the Definition of Driver Error?

Driver error is a term used to describe the negligence or general carelessness of a driver that causes an accident. It includes anything from failure to traffic laws and regulations, driving while impaired, speeding, distracted driving, and tailgating. In all cases, when a driver fails to act according to their “duty of care” while operating a vehicle on public roads, they can be held liable if their actions result in harm to a third party.

What Are Types of Driver Errors That Result in Accidents?

Driver errors can range from minor mistakes to dangerously reckless behavior, including failing to obey traffic signals or speed limits, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, improperly reacting to hazards, distracted driving, and operating vehicles that are ill-maintained. All of these factors can contribute to potentially fatal accidents, but even minor cases have the potential to cause major damage. If you find yourself on the side of the road after a sudden crash, seek medical attention as soon as possible, then contact a trusted car accident lawyer to handle the legality of your accident.

Here are some of the most common types of driver errors that result in accidents:

• Speeding or driving too fast in hazardous conditions
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Disregarding traffic signs and signals, whether purposefully or not
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to adhere to lane markings
• Driving recklessly, carelessly, or intentionally dangerously
• Tailgating other drivers
• Failure to adjust speed for inclement weather
• Improper passing or merging

People get away with mistakes behind the wheel all the time, but there’s always a chance that it’s not their lucky day. If you find yourself on the wrong end of their carelessness, a car accident lawyer can give you a better chance of recovering compensation equal to the damage you’ve sustained. After all, you shouldn’t have to foot the bill for damage you didn’t cause. Whether you’re involved in a fender bender or a major collision, Morgan and Morgan’s car accident lawyers can help you advocate for your rights effectively.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Car accidents are jarring, stressful experiences, even in minor cases. Your physical and mental damage is only compounded by the financial strain of your expenses after the fact, leaving you confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of the next step to take. After you’ve received medical attention for your injuries, you should start the process of retaining a car accident lawyer. Their involvement can significantly increase your chances of recovering the financial damage you sustained and, more importantly, collecting compensation to help you get back on your feet.

Everyone’s situation is different, but here are some of the most prominent benefits of teaming up with a car accident lawyer after a crash you didn't cause.

Proven Experience

Anyone without prior experience in car accident legal proceedings may find the process difficult and overwhelming. There are strict statute of limitation deadlines to meet, as well as the burden to prove that the at-fault party acted negligently leading up to the accident. All of this combines to become a stressful ordeal, but with an attorney by your side, you have someone who’s seen your situation before. Not only can they help you navigate the process swiftly, but they can also leverage their experience to help surpass any legal challenges or hurdles that arise down the line.

A Relentless Advocate for What You Deserve

Your car accident lawyer should have your best interest throughout your case and push for every penny you deserve from the at-fault party. Some firms will accept the first best offer of compensation, but a Morgan and Morgan car accident lawyer is trained to build up your case the right way, so you can hold out until the opposing party’s offer accurately reflects the damage you sustained. We understand that, without your restitution, you’ll have to pay for the damage out-of-pocket, and no one should have to fight an uphill financial battle after an accident they didn’t cause.

Time to De-Stress

If you sustained any physical or mental damage from your accident, you’ll need time to heal. Major conditions and injuries require more extensive recovery times, of course, but even seemingly minor trauma can affect you for much longer than you’d expect. There’s also the risk of future complications, like cases where victims suddenly experience pain and discomfort because they were weakened in a way they weren’t aware of during their accident. In either case, having an attorney by your side transfers the majority of the legal proceedings off your shoulders.

What Damages Can a Car Accident Lawyer Recover?

The specific damages you’ll recover will depend on the harm you’ve endured, the jurisdiction your accident occurred within, and the insurance coverage that protects you, amongst many other factors. Major car accidents yield higher recoveries on average, but even minor car crashes can cause injuries that equate to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Regardless of the severity of your accident, teaming up with an experienced attorney gives you an elevated chance of recovering the fullest extent of your compensation, so make sure to choose a proficient car accident lawyer to advocate for your rights.

Here are a few of the most common damages recovered in car accident cases:

• Medical expenses, both past and future
• Repair costs
• Lost wages
• Treatment and rehabilitation reimbursements
• Diminished/Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Funeral costs, in the case of wrongful death

It’s easy to determine the value of some of these damages because of the physical receipt that comes along with them. However, for something like pain and suffering, there’s a more complicated process involved, and even a car accident lawyer could potentially misrepresent this figure. If you’re worried about diminished or devalued compensation, you’ll need a law firm with the experience, resources, and proficiency to advocate for your rightful value, like Morgan and Morgan.

Contact a Morgan and Morgan Car Accident Lawyer

In the most difficult moments of your life, Morgan and Morgan has your back. With 94% of accidents resulting from driver error, it’s no surprise that a large majority of people will find themselves in some sort of accident at some point in their lives. If you do, just know that you have a powerful ally in your corner that can help you handle the legal side of your accident with the utmost skill and efficiency while you focus on your physical recovery—Morgan and Morgan.

The best part? It costs nothing upfront to hire us, and we’re only paid if we win your case. Rather than further your financial burden with legal fees, we take our fee from the favorable settlement or jury award at the finish line of your case to ensure an out-of-pocket cost won’t deter you from seeking the compensation you deserve. We’re here for you when you need us, and we’ll always have your best interest in mind.

Complete our free, no-risk case evaluation to get started.