What Percentage of Car Accidents Are Caused by Human Error?

A groundbreaking study conducted by Indiana University revealed that human factors account for as many as 93% of all auto accidents. There are other studies with slightly lower percentages. But in any case, human error is accepted by general consensus among experts to contribute to at least nine out of 10 car accidents.

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident because of the negligence of another party, you should speak with a skilled car accident attorney to file a claim and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

Recognition Errors Cause 5.7% of Fatal Accidents

Recognition errors are the ones in which a motorist is unable to view, identify, or recognize a change or issue in road conditions. In case a driver is distracted behind the wheel, inattentive on the road, and not observing conditions around them appropriately, they can cause an accident because of recognition error. Most accidents are believed to be the result of recognition errors as per the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Decision Errors are Responsible for 28% of Auto Accidents

A motorist is said to have made a decision error when they attentively observe the roadway and driving conditions but don’t evaluate the safety of their choice. These are a few common decision errors made by motorists on Alabama roads:

• Misjudging the actions of others
• Driving at inadvisable excessive speeds as per weather conditions
• Miscalculating the distance between cars
• Undertaking illegal maneuvers
• Driving at high speeds around curves

These factors are usually the primary cause of most fatal accidents. As per the III, 17% of fatal accidents are the result of driving at speeds above the legal limit or that are excessive for prevailing driving conditions. 7% of auto accidents take place because motorists fail to yield the right-of-way. 4% of car accidents happen because of a failure to adhere to traffic signals.

Performance Errors Account for More than 11% of Errors

Actual physical mistakes by drivers are classified under performance errors. You need to note that performance errors are separate from decision errors. Decision errors usually occur because of lapses in judgment. Performance errors occur when a driver recognizes and appropriately assesses a potential hazard, but fails to make a physical execution.

Poor directional control and overcompensation are a few common instances of such errors. 3.5% of fatal car accidents in the United States occur because of overreacting. Over 7% of deadly crashes happen because drivers are unable to remain in their proper lanes.

Drunk, Distracted, Fatigued, and Drowsy Driving Behaviors

Many car accidents take place because of motorist impairment, which is an unfortunate reality. People that drive while under the influence put themselves in harm’s way. They are also a considerable risk to other motorists and passengers. Distracted driving is another menace on the roads. Today’s high-tech world offers countless distractions.

It can be easy for a motorist to remove their hands from the wheel and their eyes off the road. If you are texting while driving, you don’t have your complete attention on the task of driving. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of the population sleeps for the recommended number of hours. The sad reality is that fatigued motorists on the roads have the same impaired faculties as a drunk driver.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Recklessness can occur on the roads in various ways. This includes a driver running a stop sign or red light. Drivers that don’t yield the right of way are engaging in reckless actions as well. Motorists driving their cars over the legal speed limit or at speeds that are too high for the given road conditions are not driving in a safe manner.

When car drivers make hazardous lane changes, it may constitute reckless driving. These kinds of hazardous actions and flouting of rules pose a threat to others.

Accountability for Human Error Following a Car Crash in Alabama

Nobody really wants to accept blame following an auto accident. The driver that caused the crash may claim that they were in the right and took the necessary actions to prevent the collision. In fact, they may even allege that the car malfunctioned or there was unclear road signage, which caused the crash. Research indicates that about 93% of road accidents can be traced back to human error even though third-party responsibility may be present.

You should always speak with a personal injury attorney following a car accident. Regardless of how apologetic the other driver is, you need to hold them accountable for the driving errors that resulted in your injuries. You can have your personal injury attorney investigate the accident and determine the manner in which the other motorist erred in their perception or judgment.

Your attorney can also make sure that you receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Alabama is an at-fault state, which means you won’t receive any compensation if you are partially held responsible for the accident.

Choose a Results-Driven Personal Injury Law Firm with a Proven Track Record

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, the personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Frank M. Wilson can use their vast legal knowledge and years of experience to help you achieve your rightful financial compensation from all the liable parties. We are happy to provide you with a free case evaluation.

To set up your appointment, call us at (334) 423-3137 or reach us online.