Distracted driving. It is one of the biggest causes of car accidents on California roadways. Drivers take their eyes, hands, or minds off the road, and in that sliver of time, everything changes. Yet distraction is only one piece of the puzzle. Understanding the other leading causes of car accidents, from impaired driving to poor road design, helps you see whether another person’s negligence could be responsible for what happened to you.
At the Beliz Law Firm, we help injured people across California make sense of those moments. Led by Michael A. Beliz, Esq., a Long Beach attorney with nearly two decades of experience, our firm focuses only on personal injury cases. We combine local roots with big-firm results and one-on-one communication, so clients never feel lost in the process. The Beliz Law Firm believes that understanding the risks sets you up for smart decisions and we will stand with you every step of the way.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in California?
Each crash on California’s roads tells a story of split-second choices and overlooked risks. To understand what causes the most car crashes, it helps to look closely at the forces that drive them. Below are the most common causes of car accidents that appear in police reports, insurance claims, and courtroom evidence across the state.
1. The Leading Cause of Car Accidents: Driver Distraction
Wondering, What is the number one cause of car accidents? Unsurprisingly, distraction consistently tops the list. In California, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported that in 2022, 148 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver, the biggest single factor for fatalities tied to inattention. On a national level, distracted driving caused 3,275 deaths and 324,819 injuries in 2023.
What defines distracted driving? It’s any activity that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind away from driving. Think texting, eating, or even using services like Apple CarPlay. Additionally, some forms of distracted driving are illegal. For example, using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited in California unless the phone is mounted and voice-activated.
Because distraction means a lapse in perception, the brain fails to register hazards, and the road scene vanishes in plain sight. When you’re injured because someone looked down at a device, you may have a clear path to hold them accountable.
2. Speeding and Excessive Velocity Are the Next Leading Causes of Car Accidents
According to recent figures, speeding-related crashes account for approximately 35% of all fatal crashes in California in 2021. California law also prohibits driving over 100 mph on a highway.
When a driver chooses speed over safety and causes a crash, the law often sees that as clear negligence, giving you a stronger path toward full compensation.
3. Common Causes of Car Accidents Also Include Alcohol and Drug-Related Impaired Driving
Impaired driving remains a persistent threat and often intersects with other unsafe behaviors. Nationally, alcohol-impaired crashes killed 13,524 people in 2022. In California, 1,479 people were killed in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes in 2022.
Even moderate impairment slows reaction time, reduces awareness, and increases the risk of errors that cause accidents. If you were struck by a driver under the influence, you likely have a strong basis to build a claim asserting that they are fully responsible.
4. Fatigue, Drowsiness, and Poor Judgment Contribute to the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in California
Fatigue blends with distraction and impairment in dangerous ways. Drowsy drivers often drift lanes, fail to yield, or misjudge traffic. Some studies indicate that fatigue triples the risk of crashes compared to alert driving. In fact, nationwide, an estimated 6,400 people die annually in crashes involving drowsy driving.
From a legal perspective, drowsy driving is generally treated similarly to other reckless behaviors. If the driver should have known they were dangerously tired and acted anyway, that often supports a negligence argument.
5. Roadway, Vehicle, and Environmental Factors Are Also Causes
Beyond driver behavior, many collisions result from defects in the road, weather-related hazards, or mechanical failures in vehicles. For example:
- Poor roadway signage, faded lane markings, and potholes put obstacles in driver paths;
- Bad weather and slick surfaces increase braking distances and demand lower speeds; and
- Faulty vehicle maintenance (brakes, tires, steering) can convert a minor hazard into a major crash.
In California, although driver error remains the primary cause of crashes, external risks often contribute. If your accident involved a road defect or vehicle malfunction, you may have more than one responsible party and broader options to seek compensation.
Why Does Understanding What Causes Car Crashes Matter?
If you’re asking, “What is the number one cause of car accidents?” or even what the most common causes of car accidents are, you’re likely looking for more than stats: You’re assessing whether someone else’s negligence may have caused your crash.
Here are some of the practical benefits of learning about crash causes:
- Establishing liability. If the other driver distracted themselves, sped excessively, or drove impaired, you’re able to identify and describe clear misconduct.
- Documenting your claim. Recognizing the right cause helps you gather evidence (phone records, radar/tracking data, maintenance logs).
- Valuing your case. When you tie your injuries to a clear risk factor like distraction or impairment, your attorney can better help justify the full level of your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
- Managing expectations. An attorney at The Beliz Law Firm can guide you more easily through California’s at-fault system, so you know what to expect and what to fight for.
Understanding the causes also empowers you. Ultimately, it arms you to ask the right questions, collect the right records, and stand firm in seeking justice.
FAQs About California Car Accidents
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in California?
Move to safety, call 911, gather photos and witness information, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurers.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills?
The at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers costs, but your lawyer helps prove liability and pursue full damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
California’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident.
Do I Need a Police Report?
Yes. A report documents fault and injuries, strengthening your case and supporting your insurance claim.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery with The Beliz Law Firm
At The Beliz Law Firm, we’ve built our practice on one-on-one service and local trust. Michael A. Beliz has represented California accident victims since 2006, recovering over $10 million in verdicts and settlements. He combines the experience of a large-firm litigator with the personal attention of a neighborhood advocate. Michael lives in Long Beach, serves this community, and believes every client deserves clear answers and committed representation.
Here’s what to expect when you reach out:
- Free consultation. We review your accident, identify potential causes, and explain your options under California law.
- Personal guidance. You’ll work directly with Michael, not a call center or case manager.
- Results-driven advocacy. Our goal is full and fair compensation so you can move forward with confidence.
If you’ve been injured in a crash in California, don’t wait. Contact our office for a free consultation. We’ll review the circumstances of your crash and explain how to pursue maximum compensation under California law.