Jeff Marion | January 30, 2026 | Personal Injury
Car accidents can happen in an instant, and the consequences are often devastating. In New York, thousands of drivers are injured each year in collisions ranging from minor fender-benders to catastrophic crashes. Understanding the most common causes of serious motor vehicle crashes can help drivers stay vigilant and, if necessary, seek the legal guidance needed to protect their rights.
At the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion, we represent clients injured in car accidents across New York, helping them pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Knowing what often leads to crashes is a key step in preventing them and ensuring accountability when they occur.
Distracted Driving and Motor Vehicle Crashes
One of the leading causes of car accidents in New York is distracted driving. Anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road—cell phones, GPS devices, eating, or even adjusting the radio—can have serious consequences.
Distracted drivers often fail to notice traffic signals, stop signs, or sudden changes in traffic flow, leading to rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups. Even a momentary lapse in attention at highway speeds can result in catastrophic injuries, which is why distracted driving is so dangerous. Motorcyclists are especially at risk, which is why wearing a helmet is so important, as it can reduce the chances of a road traffic fatality.
Speeding and Reckless Driving Lead to Road Traffic Injuries
Speeding is a major factor in serious motor vehicle crashes. Driving too fast reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards, increases stopping distances, and intensifies the severity of collisions.
Reckless behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and weaving through traffic, also increase the likelihood of crashes. In New York City and across the state, law enforcement continues to crack down on dangerous driving, but accidents caused by disobeying speed limits and driving recklessly remain common causes of fatalities on the road.
Driving Under the Influence
DUI—whether due to alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal substances—remains a leading cause of severe road traffic crashes. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce coordination, making it difficult to respond to traffic conditions effectively.
Drivers under the influence are far more likely to cause head-on collisions, rollovers, and high-speed crashes. Victims of these accidents often suffer serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
Weather Conditions
New York experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year, and inclement weather is a frequent contributor to motor vehicle crashes. Rain, snow, ice, and fog all make roads more hazardous.
Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and hydroplaning can cause drivers to lose control, leading to multi-vehicle crashes and single-car accidents. During winter months, icy roads are particularly dangerous, and drivers must adjust their speed and following distance to prevent collisions.
Driver Fatigue/Human Error
Fatigue is often overlooked as a cause of motor vehicle crashes, but it can be just as dangerous as distracted or impaired driving. Sleep-deprived drivers may experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and even microsleeps, which are brief episodes of sleep that occur while the eyes are open.
Commercial truck drivers and long-distance commuters are particularly at risk, but fatigue can affect anyone. Accidents caused by drowsy driving are often severe due to high speeds or delayed responses to sudden hazards.
Mechanical Failures, Including Seat Belts
While driver behavior accounts for most serious accidents, mechanical failures also play a role. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or engine problems can cause sudden loss of control on the road.
Vehicle owners are responsible for proper maintenance, but accidents caused by manufacturer defects or negligent maintenance can also occur. When mechanical failure leads to injury, both drivers and manufacturers may be held liable.
Intersection and Right-of-Way Collisions
Intersections are among the most hazardous locations on the road. Failure to yield, running red lights, or misunderstanding traffic signals often leads to T-bone or side-impact collisions.
These accidents frequently result in severe injuries due to the force and angle of impact. Drivers must remain alert at intersections, and defensive driving techniques can help reduce the risk of crashes.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
New York’s busy streets are shared by drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Accidents involving pedestrians or bicycles often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection outside a vehicle.
Distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, and impaired driving are common factors in these accidents. Pedestrians and cyclists injured in collisions may face long-term medical care and financial hardship, making legal guidance crucial.
How the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion Can Help
Serious car accidents can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and lasting physical or emotional trauma. At the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion, we help clients understand New York car accident law and how it applies to their cases.
Our attorneys investigate the causes of each crash, gather evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable. Whether your accident involved a distracted driver, speeding, impaired driving, or unsafe road conditions, we fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Road traffic crashes in New York can happen for a variety of reasons—from driver error to hazardous conditions and mechanical failures. Understanding the common causes can help drivers stay alert and protect themselves on the road.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion are here to provide experienced legal representation. We stand up to negligent drivers, insurance companies, and other responsible parties to fight for the compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today to get started.