The most common types of car crashes are front-impact and rear-impact collisions, according to national NHTSA data from 2019. Common causes include distracted driving, poor weather, speeding, drowsy or impaired driving, tailgating, and running red lights or stop signs.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Collision types | Front-impact collisions and rear-impact collisions |
| Common causes | Distracted driving, poor weather, excessive speed, drowsy driving, drug or alcohol impairment, recklessness, tailgating, and running red lights or stop signs |
| Less common causes | Animal crossings, dangerous curves and vehicle defects |
What Kinds of Car Crashes Are Most Common?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common car crash is the front impact collision. There were 2.8 million front impact collisions in 2019 in the United States. Rear-impact collisions were second on the list of most common crashes, with just under 1.6 million in 2019. According to the same study, most drivers are going straight when involved in a collision.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Crashes?
The most common cause of car crashes, by far, is distracted driving. Whether the distraction is caused by texting, talking on the phone, eating in the car, adjusting music, or other factors, distracted driving is a dangerous practice. It endangers not only the person who is driving distracted, but also the other drivers on the road who may be impacted. Other common causes of traffic crashes are poor weather conditions, excessive speed, drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel, intoxication with drugs or alcohol, recklessness, tailgating, and running red lights or stop signs. Other, less common causes include animal crossings, dangerous curves, and vehicle defects. While some traffic crashes are caused by circumstances beyond the driver’s control, many are the result of driver error, and can result in liability for the driver who is at fault. Our personal injury attorneys can help you determine whether a personal injury claim is a good idea in your case.
Where to Read About Fault After a Crash
While Colorado was a no-fault state until 2003, that year the state changed its policies and became an at-fault state. What this means is that instead of each person in a car crash, for example, turning to their own insurance company for coverage, it is possible to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company if they were at fault, or to file a lawsuit against the driver you believe to be at fault in the crash. Because Colorado uses what is called a comparative negligence model in determining liability, it is possible that you may be eligible for compensation even if you are partially at fault for your crash. Learn more in How Is Fault Determined After a Colorado Car Crash?
Related Reading
- Tailgating Crashes in Colorado: Who Is Liable?
- Distracted Driving Crashes in Colorado: Evidence That Matters
Talk to Greer Law Group After a Car Crash
Whenever you have been seriously or permanently injured as a result of someone else’s actions or negligence, it is a good idea to consult a skilled personal injury attorney to see if you might be eligible for compensation. Contact us online or call 303-331-6460.
