Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence in Scranton? Contact The Slocum Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Our Scranton car accident lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

If you’ve ever been in a serious car accident, you know how devastating these events can be. Car accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help you stay safe on the road and protect yourself in case of an accident.

Here, we’ll explore the most frequent reasons for car accidents in Scranton. By understanding these factors, you can take steps to avoid becoming involved in a crash and know what to do if you find yourself in a difficult situation.

The Slocum Firm is here to help you if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Our experienced Scranton auto accident lawyers thoroughly understand the local laws and regulations governing these cases. We’re committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender or a major collision, we’re here to provide the legal representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is among the most common causes of car accidents in Scranton and throughout Pennsylvania. It occurs when drivers divert their attention from the road, leading to severe accidents and traffic crashes. 

Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. These distractions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, run red lights, or fail to notice essential traffic signals like stop signs.

When distracted drivers are involved in a car crash, the results can be devastating. Accidents caused by distracted driving can lead to severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, or even fatal consequences. 

Personal injuries from these motor vehicle accidents can be significant, leading to high medical expenses and long-term consequences for victims. In serious accidents, the damages can affect the injured, their families, and loved ones.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous causes of car accidents in Scranton and across Pennsylvania. When drivers are under the influence of alcohol, their ability to make sound judgments and react quickly is severely impaired. 

This often leads to reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, or switching lanes without signaling. As a result, drunk drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and cause serious accidents.

The damage from drunk driving can be catastrophic. A car crash involving a drunk driver can lead to severe personal injuries like spinal cord damage or even fatal outcomes. Passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians can all be affected. Car accidents involving drunk drivers often result in high medical expenses for those injured and significant property damage.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in Scranton and throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they drastically reduce their ability to control their vehicle, especially in adverse conditions like icy roads or poor visibility. 

This often leads to severe car crashes and serious accidents, as speed increases the force of impact in a collision. Speeding can make it difficult for drivers to react in time to sudden changes, such as a red light, a stop sign, or other vehicles switching lanes. 

As a result, they might lose control and cause dangerous auto accidents. These crashes can lead to severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries and other personal injuries that require extensive medical treatment. The risk of fatal injuries also rises with speeding.

Reckless driving, often combined with speeding, further increases the danger on the roads. Distracted drivers who speed are particularly hazardous, as they may not notice essential traffic signals or changes in traffic conditions. Driver fatigue and alcohol consumption can also impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle at high speeds safely.

For those affected by speeding-related accidents, seeking legal representation from experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorneys can be crucial. A car accident attorney can help navigate the complexities of filing a claim, handling insurance companies, and pursuing compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a significant cause of car accidents in Scranton and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. It involves actions that ignore traffic laws and endanger everyone on the road. Typical scenarios include speeding, running red lights, and switching lanes without signaling. Drivers who engage in reckless behavior often lose control of their vehicles, leading to severe accidents and devastating car crashes.

Reckless driving often results in severe damage. The high speed involved in these auto accidents can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and other personal injuries. In the worst cases, drivers, passengers, or even innocent bystanders can be fatally injured. When accidents happen due to reckless driving, the consequences can be life-changing, leading to substantial medical expenses and long-term recovery needs.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions significantly affect many car accidents in Scranton and throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Icy roads, heavy snow, and rain can drastically reduce visibility and make road surfaces slippery, leading to an increased risk of auto accidents. 

When drivers encounter such conditions, they may significantly lose control of their vehicles if they speed or do not adjust their driving to the weather. For instance, during snowstorms, poor visibility can lead to drivers running red lights or missing stop signs, increasing the likelihood of a severe car crash.

These hazardous conditions can cause a range of serious injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like spinal cord injuries. In the worst cases, accidents can result in fatalities, making weather-related crashes particularly tragic. The damage to vehicles can also be extensive, often leading to high medical expenses and significant vehicle repairs.

Poorly Maintained Roads

In Scranton and across northeastern Pennsylvania, poorly maintained roads significantly cause car accidents. When roadways are not properly cared for, hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces, and worn-out road markings increase the risk of auto accidents. 

These conditions can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control, especially in adverse weather. For instance, icy roads or heavy rain can further exacerbate the dangers posed by road defects, leading to severe accidents.

Drivers may lose control of their vehicles when navigating poorly maintained roads, resulting in crashes that can cause serious injuries. Faulty tires, reduced visibility, and driver error also contribute to the risk. 

Distracted driving accidents can be even more hazardous on damaged roads, as drivers may struggle to avoid obstacles while dealing with distractions. Reckless driving and speeding on these roads can amplify the risk of traffic crashes.

Defective Automobile Parts

Defective automobile parts are a severe cause of car accidents in Scranton and throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Faulty components, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems, can lead to dangerous situations on the road. 

For example, faulty tires might blow out unexpectedly, causing a driver to lose control of their vehicle and potentially crash into other cars or barriers. Similarly, defective brakes can prevent a vehicle from stopping in time at a red light or stop sign, leading to severe accidents or even fatal injuries.

When defective parts are involved, the consequences can be severe. Drivers might be unable to maneuver correctly, increasing the risk of traffic crashes and car accidents. 

These issues can result in substantial personal injuries, including spinal cord injuries, which may require extensive medical treatment and lead to significant medical expenses. In the worst cases, defective parts can cause fatal accidents, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a significant cause of car accidents, particularly in areas like Scranton and the broader Northeastern Pennsylvania region. When drivers are tired, their reaction times slow down, and their ability to stay alert decreases, leading to dangerous situations on the road.

Fatigue can result from long hours of driving, insufficient sleep, or even stressful driving conditions. This state of exhaustion often leads to driver error, where drivers may drift out of their lanes, miss critical traffic signs, or fail to react promptly to sudden changes, such as other vehicles switching lanes or unexpected stops.

Tired drivers often lose control of their vehicles, resulting in serious accidents. The potential damages from such accidents can be severe, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions like spinal cord injuries or even fatalities. Car accidents caused by driver fatigue often lead to significant medical expenses and can have lasting impacts on victims’ lives.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Running red lights and stop signs are significant causes of car accidents in Scranton and the surrounding areas. These traffic violations occur when drivers ignore traffic signals or signs, leading to serious auto accidents. 

Running a red light in busy intersections can result in high-speed crashes involving multiple vehicles. Similarly, ignoring a stop sign at a crossroad can cause collisions with other cars with the right of way.

When drivers engage in reckless driving by running red lights or stop signs, they not only break traffic laws but also put themselves and others at significant risk. The impact of such accidents can be severe, leading to serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or even fatal outcomes. 

Distracted driving, driver fatigue, or speeding often contribute to these dangerous situations. For instance, a driver texting or talking on the phone may fail to notice a red light or stop sign in time.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers are a significant factor in car accidents, particularly in Scranton and the surrounding areas. Drivers who lack experience often struggle with key aspects of operating a vehicle safely, leading to a higher likelihood of motor vehicle accidents. These drivers may have difficulty judging distances, reacting quickly to sudden changes, or following traffic laws properly, which can result in dangerous situations.

Common scenarios involving inexperienced drivers include failing to yield at stop signs, running red lights, or losing vehicle control. For example, a new driver might not notice a car coming from a side street and inadvertently pull out in front of it, causing a severe accident.

Another frequent issue is distracted driving; inexperienced drivers may be more prone to texting or using their phones while driving, which increases the risk of a crash.

The damages from accidents involving inexperienced drivers can be severe. Victims often suffer from personal injuries such as spinal cord injuries or broken bones. Serious accidents may also lead to fatalities or require substantial medical expenses for recovery. In addition to physical injuries, victims might face financial challenges due to lost wages and medical costs.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Scranton

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Scranton, PA, you need experienced help to navigate the complexities of your case. At  The Slocum Firm, we’re dedicated to assisting car accident victims in recovering fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Whether you’ve suffered severe injuries or are dealing with significant medical bills, our team of Scranton car accident lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way.

Why You Should Choose The Slocum Firm

We offer a free consultation to discuss your car accident case and explore your legal options without any obligation. Our experienced car accident attorneys have extensive knowledge and a proven track record in handling car accident claims in northeastern Pennsylvania. 

By choosing us, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the best legal representation without upfront costs, as we work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay if we win your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, we want to help. If you or a loved one has been involved in a severe car crash, call 570-209-7376 today. Let our dedicated injury lawyers help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.