Car accidents happen every day throughout Montana, and many of them are due to preventable and avoidable incidents. For victims of a car accident, it is critical to understand all aspects of why it happened. That could provide more information about all parties at fault, and a Butte car accident lawyer can help you build a claim.
Why Car Accidents Happen in Montana
Data shared by the Montana Department of Transportation indicates the state has a fatality rate of 2.0 per 100 million vehicles traveled. However, the US average is just 1.37, indicating that accidents happen more frequently in Montana. The following are some of the most common reasons accidents happen in the state.
Drivers Operating Distracted
Distracted driving occurs when a person’s full attention is not on the roadway. This may be due to checking an email or text message or changing the radio. Other causes of distraction include pets, eating or drinking, or engaging in a heated conversation.
Impairment
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a highly dangerous act. Substances like these make it challenging for anyone to be able to react fast enough to changing road conditions. Slowed reflexes cause serious injury to others. Any type of drug, including medications and over-the-counter products, that causes impairment increases the risk of accidents.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to any act that is a violation of road traffic laws that puts others at risk. This might include:
- Speeding
- Switching lanes without signaling
- Fast stops without warning
- Cutting off other drivers
- Running a red light
- Failing to stop for a stop sign
Any form of aggressive driving that creates a risk to other drivers is reckless. These accidents make it harder for other drivers to remain safe on the road.
Drowsy Driving
Many people drive fatigued, and in some situations, that can be just as risky as driving under the influence. It is possible for someone to fall asleep at the wheel. However, a tired driver is less likely to react properly to changing conditions, even if they do not actually fall asleep.
Poor Road Conditions
Accidents may occur as a result of poor road conditions, including potholes, poorly marked crosswalks or lanes, or obstacles in the roadway. Even when conditions are bad, a driver who cannot operate in a safe manner to protect others should not drive in those areas.
Vehicle Defects
A vehicle defect may cause a breakdown of a vehicle. This might include, for example, a tire blowout because of a poorly made tire. Suspension, engine, brakes, and any other component that fails to work as it can increase the risk of an accident if it causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Weather-Related Accidents
In Montana, a sudden downpour from a thunderstorm, winter storms, flooding, or damaging winds can create unsafe road conditions. Drivers who are unable to control their vehicle during a weather event should pull off until it passes. When they do not do so and cause an accident, the driver remains at fault even in situations where the weather caused the incident to take place.
Finding the Cause of Your Accident
If you are in a car accident, a full investigation into what caused it could be critically important so that you know what to expect when filing a claim against the at-fault driver. Working with our car accident lawyers in Montana at Everett Cook Law can help make that possible.