Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury claims filed, and according to the United States Census Bureau, there were nearly 11 million car accidents nationwide in 2009 alone. After the completion of numerous studies, it has been concluded that driver error is by far the greatest contributor to car accidents in the country. While there are many factors that can lead to a car accident, driver error still outweighs contributors such as weather conditions, improperly maintained roads, and mechanical performances of vehicles.

Driver error accounts for distracted driving, and there are a number of reasons that cause individuals to become distracted while they are driving. One of the leading causes of distracted driving is cell phone use—whether this entails talking on the phone, texting, or browsing through social media. In fact, according to the National Society Council, 25% of automobile crashes can be connected to cell phone usage.

The use of drugs and alcohol is another large cause of car accidents. When a driver decides to engage in an activity that involves the consumption of alcohol or drugs, they are knowingly putting themselves and others in danger. A driver's choice to drink or do drugs and then get behind the wheel can result in slower reaction time, faulty vision, and overall poor decision making while on the road.

Two other contributions to driver error include fatigue and the failure to adhere to driving regulations. Individuals who drive in a state of extreme sleepiness run the risk of falling asleep while driving, which could lead to serious collisions. Drivers who speed, ignore stop signs, or fail to stop at red lights can also cause severe accidents.

Car accidents can be overwhelming—especially when they were caused by someone else's negligence. If you or a loved one were the victim of such an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a car accident attorney if you would like to find out if you have grounds to file a claim.