While there are many reasons that car accidents occur, driver negligence is often to blame for a collision. There are many different forms of negligence, including violations of traffic laws, aggressive driving, or failure to keep a vehicle properly maintained. However, distracted driving is one of the most prevalent issues that affects safety on roads throughout Illinois and the United States. Drivers who fail to fully pay attention to the road put everyone around them at risk. When drivers cause harm to others because of this type of negligence, victims who suffer injuries or other damages will want to determine their options for pursuing financial compensation.

Common Distractions That Affect Drivers

Distracted driving can take many forms, and it may include any actions that cause a person to look away from the road, take their hands off the steering wheel, or divert their attention away from operating their vehicle safely. Some of the most common types of distracted driving include:

• Texting while driving - Many people find it difficult to put down phones and electronic devices and refrain from using them while they are behind the wheel. The desire to stay connected and in contact with others can lead people to read and respond to text messages when they should be paying attention to the road. This can be very dangerous, since using a smartphone will make a person much more likely to miss important details and become involved in collisions.

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We tend to think of car accidents as crashes between motor vehicles, but in reality, this is only one of the many ways that a motor vehicle can cause an injury. Some of the most serious car crash injuries happen when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle. In Illinois in 2019, pedestrians were involved in around 18 percent of fatal accidents, and around 12 percent of accidents resulting in incapacitating injuries.

Injured pedestrians and their families often feel at a loss when it comes to holding drivers accountable for their injuries. However, it is important to know that pedestrians have the right to safely use the road, and they may be entitled to compensation when their injuries are caused by driver negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need.

Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrians are more likely to be injured in motor vehicle accidents at night and in urban areas. However, in addition to these environmental factors, some form of driver negligence is also often a contributing factor. Common examples of driver negligence in pedestrian accidents include:

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Car accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common causes of crashes include distracting driving behavior (i.e., texting and driving), driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or speeding or disobeying some other traffic law. In the majority of car accidents, fault lies with a driver who acted in a negligent or reckless manner.

However, not all car accidents are caused by another driver. Some crashes occur because of a defective or malfunctioning part or component in the vehicle. Over the past several years, car accidents that resulted in the death or severe injuries of victims have been caused by defective airbags, ignition switches, and fuel tanks. A recent recall for power steering issues on some General Motors (GM) vehicles could put the vehicle’s occupants and other commuters in danger of serious accidents.

GM Issues Recall

GM has issued a recall notice for almost 27,000 SUVs because of a software issue that could cause the vehicle’s power steering system to suddenly stop. According to the company’s announcement, if the system stops working, a driver should still be able to steer the vehicle but will likely need to use more effort to turn the steering wheel.

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It is a fact of life that no matter how safe a driver you are, your chances of being involved in a car accident are high. Insurance statistics show that the average driver will file an auto accident claim approximately every 18 years. Most people get their driver’s license in their late teens, so it is estimated that the majority of drivers will be involved in three to four accidents in their driving lifetime.

Illinois Car Insurance Requirements

When a person is injured in a car accident caused by another driver, the victim usually files a claim for damages with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In Illinois, every vehicle owner is required to purchase automobile liability insurance. The minimum requirement is:

• $25,000 for injury or death for one victim

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When most people think of car accidents, they usually picture a crash scene on a road or highway. Many people would be surprised to learn that one out of every five car accidents occurs in a parking lot or parking garage. Another surprising statistic is that just under 15 percent of all vehicle accidents that end up causing damage also take place in parking lot crashes. In fact, according to data gathered by the National Safety Council, more than 500 victims die and another 60,000 are injured in the more than 50,000 vehicle accidents that take place in parking lots and garages each year.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of parking lot accidents is distracted driving. This is usually because once a driver pulls into a parking lot, they tend to let their guard down. They are often not as focused on their driving as they would be if they were driving on a street. Instead, they become more focused on finding a parking space. Studies show that driving at the low rate of speed required in parking lots often gives drivers a false sense of security, making them feel they do not have to be as careful and alert to what is going on around them as they would when traveling on streets and highways.  

Many drivers also tend to grab and check their cell phones once they pull into a parking lot, even if they have not yet found a space and parked. One major survey found that more than 65 percent of drivers felt comfortable making a call on their phone while driving in a parking lot, while half of those drivers said they would feel comfortable texting and checking their social media while driving in a lot.

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