5 Leading Causes of Car Accidents in San Diego

We call them “accidents,” but more often than not, car crashes don’t happen spontaneously. The hard truth is that the majority of these accidents are actually caused by drivers making negligent choices behind the wheel.

Here in San Diego, too many collisions stem from people speeding, driving drunk or high, or getting dangerously distracted by phones or other things inside the car. These aren’t unavoidable “accidents” – they’re entirely preventable wrecks resulting from poor decisions that put others at risk.

In this article, we’ll discuss the five biggest causes of car accidents in our city.

1. Speeding

Speeding contributes significantly to car accidents in San Diego and across the nation. High speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase stopping distances, making responding to unexpected situations or obstacles on the road challenging.

The risk of a fatal crash doubles for every ten mph increase in speed over 50 mph. Even a tiny increase in speed can significantly impact a driver’s ability to maintain control of their vehicle and avoid accidents and wrongful deaths.

2. Distracted Driving

In our digital age, distractions behind the wheel have become a top safety crisis. Texting, checking phones, fiddling with entertainment systems – anything that diverts a driver’s eyes and mind from the road for even a few seconds can have catastrophic consequences like swerving into other lanes or hitting pedestrians.

Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, as it involves all three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. A driver who texts takes their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, which, at 55 mph, is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field with their eyes closed.

3. Impaired Driving

Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs significantly increases the likelihood of car accidents in San Diego. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability, making it nearly impossible to operate a vehicle safely.

Even small amounts of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly, stay focused, and make sound decisions.

4. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving behaviors like running red lights, making unsafe passes, constantly swerving between lanes without signaling, and tailgating other vehicles are also leading contributors to crashes. This intentional aggressive and erratic behavior on the roads is immature, selfish, and places innocent lives in danger.

5. San Diego Road Hazards

While driver behavior significantly contributes to car accidents, external factors such as road conditions, weather, and other environmental hazards can also play a role.

Road conditions, like potholes, debris, and inadequate signage, can lead to accidents if drivers are unprepared to navigate them safely. San Diego County has a website where citizens can report road hazards online.

What to Do After a Car Accident in San Diego

If you are injured by a negligent driver in San Diego, take the following steps:

1. Remain at the scene and call 911 to report the accident
2. Gather evidence like photos/videos of the damage, injuries, road conditions, etc.
3. Obtain medical evaluation and treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor
4. Notify your insurance company promptly
5. Consider consulting a car accident attorney to protect your rights

Too many crash victims are taken advantage of by insurance companies or make critical mistakes that undermine their ability to recover full compensation. Having an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

At Pasternack Injury Law Group, our attorneys have years of experience investigating accidents caused by negligent drivers, negotiating with insurers, and fighting for our clients’ rights in court.

We Can Help You Get Compensated After a San Diego Car Accident

If you or a loved one were injured by a negligent driver’s reckless actions, you deserve compensation. But going it alone against insurance companies is an uphill battle.

Our car accident lawyers fight aggressively to maximize compensation for crash victims. We conduct exhaustive independent investigations to prove negligence and vigorously negotiate with insurers. When they refuse to settle fairly, we take them to trial.

Our legal team has secured millions harmed by negligent drivers across Southern California. Let us make them pay while you focus on recovering.

Get started with a free case review today. Contact Pasternack Injury Law Group to exercise your rights – we give you the best chance at maximum compensation after a car accident.