Motor vehicle accidents can happen when you least expect them. While some car crashes result in minimal damage or no injuries, others have severe consequences for the health, safety and wellbeing of you, the other driver and any passengers involved.
Simply put, the majority of car accidents in the state of Missouri are the result of driver misbehavior.
Common causes of Missouri car crashes
According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, statewide car accidents have several primary causes including:
- Driver intoxication
- Driving over the speed limit
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Age and experience-related risk factors
Car accidents are rarely caused by road, traffic and weather conditions alone. Rather, accidents occur when unsafe driving behavior causes the driver to make an error when navigating normal or abnormal road conditions, resulting in a collision.
Common consequences for those involved in motor accidents
Depending on the severity of the accident, the conditions that led to the collision and the outcome of the crash, the driver at fault may hold legal responsibility for the incident. Accidents sometimes result in injuries that require medical treatment, and some collisions cause significant property damage to each driver’s vehicle or the surrounding area.
Drivers found liable for an accident, as well as those without proof of insurance or evidence of legal driving privileges, face various consequences, such as license suspensions, fines, damages and, in some cases, criminal charges.
In addition to state-mandated penalties, at-fault drivers may also face other legal consequences. When injuries and damages are significant, involved parties may pursue personal injury claims to seek compensation for treatment, repair and replacement of damaged property.