Driver Errors That Cause Accidents

Driver errors are some of the most common causes of traffic accidents in Colorado. They are called errors because they are entirely preventable and occur because a driver takes a course of action that results in a motor vehicle collision. When a driver commits an error that causes an accident, they are liable for the personal injuries, property damage, and wrongful deaths that occur.

Common Driving Errors That Cause Accidents

In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data showing that 94% of motor vehicle accidents resulted from driver errors. Most occurs were because of decision or recognition errors. These include:

Decision Errors – These include choosing to run a red light, choosing to speed, deciding to drive aggressively, and deciding to drive while impaired. These accidents involve a wrong decision that cause personal injuries, property damage, or wrongful deaths.

Recognition Errors – These include ignoring posted signs, missing debris or obstructions in the road, distracted driving, incorrectly assuming other drivers or pedestrians’ actions, and illegal maneuvering. It also includes misjudging the distance between vehicles, miscalculating the safe driving speed for conditions, and miscalculating the required stopping distance.

Performance Errors – These include overcorrection, improperly handling the vehicle, and panicking or freezing when a potential collision arises. Performance errors can occur in any season, but they are most common during the winter months and when poor road conditions are present.

Non-Performance Errors – Non-performance errors include drowsy driving, accidents that occur while ability is impaired, or when underlying health conditions delay reaction times.

Liability for Traffic Accidents in Colorado

Colorado statutes place the liability for traffic accidents on the individual whose actions caused the accident. Colorado law recognizes that there are often multiple causes of traffic accidents, and sometimes multiple parties are liable. Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rules, the court will determine how much fault to assign each driver or entity. Thus, if both drivers, pedestrians, etc. involved in the accident committed errors, the court can reduce or assign multiple parties’ liability.

Pursuing Car Accident Claims in Colorado

The team at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. helps clients determine the precise causes of traffic accidents. We help clients gather the evidence and documentation that establishes the validity of their claims. We encourage you to contact us at (303) 447-1144 to schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your accident.