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Car accidents in Milwaukee can have devastating consequences, affecting lives and livelihoods. Understanding the cause of a car accident is crucial in determining liability and establishing the foundation for a successful personal injury claim.

If you’ve recently been injured in a Milwaukee car accident, consulting with the skilled Milwaukee car accident lawyers at Hupy and Abraham can help protect your legal rights and ensure fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Reach out to us today to learn how we can investigate the cause of your accident, establish liability, and document your damages. 

9 Common Causes of Milwaukee Car Crashes

Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, with some accidents having more than one contributing factor. 

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of accidents in Milwaukee. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using navigation systems divert a driver's attention from the road and increase the risk of a collision. When drivers are distracted, they are less likely to detect potential dangers, such as pedestrians crossing the road, sudden changes in traffic flow, or obstacles ahead. Consequently, their ability to make timely and appropriate decisions to avoid accidents is compromised.

2. Speeding

Exceeding the posted speed limit endangers both the speeding driver and others on the road. Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions, making it a significant factor in car accidents. It can also lead to a loss of vehicle control, compromising the effectiveness of safety features and raising the likelihood of rollover accidents. 

3. Drunk or Impaired Driving 

Despite rigorous awareness campaigns and strict laws against drunk driving, this dangerous behavior continues to be a menace on Milwaukee's roads. Alcohol and certain drugs affect the brain's ability to process information and make sound decisions. Drivers under the influence may misjudge distances, speeds, and potential hazards, leading to reckless behavior and a higher likelihood of accidents. Drugs and alcohol also affect motor skills, resulting in decreased coordination and difficulty controlling the vehicle. Impaired drivers may struggle to steer properly, maintain lane position, or perform routine driving maneuvers.

4. Aggressive and Reckless Driving

Aggressive driving poses serious risks to all road users, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signals. Reckless drivers often underestimate the potential consequences of their actions, prioritizing short-term gains over the safety of themselves and others on the road. Reckless drivers not only put themselves at risk but also endanger the lives of others.

5. Poor Weather Conditions

Milwaukee experiences harsh weather conditions, especially during winter. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and icy surfaces make maintaining control over a vehicle challenging, leading to increased weather-related accidents.

6. Running Red Lights

Running red lights is common in busy intersections, often resulting in severe T-bone collisions. Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals endanger pedestrians, other drivers, and themselves.

7. Failure to Yield the Right of Way

Failure to yield at intersections, pedestrian crossings, or merging lanes can lead to collisions that could have been easily prevented with responsible driving. When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, they put themselves and others at risk of collisions that could have been easily prevented with responsible driving. Intersections are critical points where the paths of different vehicles intersect, and failure to yield can result in T-bone or sideswipe accidents, often with severe injuries or fatalities. Neglecting to yield to pedestrians at designated crossings endangers vulnerable road users, leading to potentially life-threatening accidents. 

8. Defective Vehicles 

Sometimes, car accidents are caused by faulty vehicle components or manufacturing defects, which can have severe consequences for drivers and passengers alike. Manufacturing defects in critical parts like brakes, tires, steering systems, or airbags can compromise a vehicle's safety and performance, leading to unexpected malfunctions on the road. Such defects can cause sudden brake failure, tire blowouts, loss of steering control, or non-deployment of airbags during collisions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. These incidents may lead to legal claims against the vehicle manufacturer or distributor.

9. Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced or newly licensed teen drivers are more prone to making mistakes on the road due to their lack of driving skills and judgment. While graduated license laws decrease risks for new drivers between the ages of 16 and 18, they do not eliminate the risks for this age group or address the risks presented by older novice drivers. A lack of experience makes them more susceptible to errors in decision-making and handling unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents. 

Contact Our Milwaukee Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you were injured in a Milwaukee car crash, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Hupy and Abraham. We are available for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and offer a Win or It’s Free Guarantee. To schedule a confidential appointment, please fill out our convenient contact form or call us at 800-800-5678.