Car accidents cause many deaths in the United States every year. There were 32,166 fatal car crashes in 2015 alone, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While some of these accidents are caused by unforeseen circumstances, like poor road conditions, many others result from driver error. Let's take a closer look at five common causes of car accidents:

It's important for drivers to keep their eyes on the road in front of them at all times. When drivers don't do this, they can put everyone on the road in danger. In fact, distracted driving killed 3,459 people in 2015. A smartphone is one of the most common distractions that leads to car accidents. Drivers who talk on the phone or send text messages don't have their entire focus on the road and risk getting into a crash. If drivers have to get in contact with someone, they should pull over to a safe spot first.

Many drivers have been tempted to drive above the speed limit at least once. Maybe they were running late to work. Or perhaps they had to use the bathroom very badly. However, speeding for any reason at all can increase the risk of accidents. When drivers are speeding, they can lose control of their vehicle or have less time to react to changes in traffic. To avoid accidents, drivers should obey the speed limits no matter in a hurry they are.

Despite being aware of the dangers, some people still drink alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 people die every day in drunk driving accidents. When drivers have had too much to drink, it can cloud their judgment and reduce their reaction times, increasing the risk vehicular crashes. People who have been drinking alcohol should arrange a ride with a sober friend or get a taxi.

Driving while overly tired is a recipe for disaster. When drivers are running on too little sleep, they may lose focus or even fall asleep behind the wheel. It is important for drivers to pull over to a safe spot and take a nap if they feel too tired to drive.

Some drivers can get impatient and drive too closely behind the vehicle in front of them. This is called tailgating. If the car in front of them hits the brakes all of a sudden, there won't be enough time to react. To avoid accidents, drivers should be at least one car length behind the car in front of them.

If you were injured in a car accident, you may want to set up a consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. He or she can help you build a strong case and recover the compensation you deserve. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you gather necessary evidence, identify expert witnesses and even negotiate with insurance companies.

During your initial meeting with a car accident lawyer, be prepared to answer several questions about your case, such as how the car accident happened and what sorts of injuries you suffered. If you have any evidence, such as a police report or photos of the accident scene, you should bring them with you to the consultation. If you have any questions of your own during the consultation, do not be afraid to ask. For example, you may want to find out how many car accident cases the lawyer has handled or what his or her contingency fee is.

If you would like to set up a consultation with a car accident lawyer, contact Helfand, David PA.