What Percent of Crashes Are Caused by Driver Error?

Car accidents happen fast, but figuring out who’s to blame can take time and often requires legal insight. One of the most common questions we hear after a crash is, “What percent of crashes are caused by driver error?” The truth is surprising, as the vast majority of accidents are linked to driver mistakes, not mechanical issues or bad weather. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a wreck, it’s important to understand what this means for your legal rights. At Parnall Law, we help people across New Mexico hold negligent drivers accountable and get the compensation they deserve.

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Overview of Car Accident Statistics

According to the most recent University of New Mexico Traffic Crash Report, human error is responsible for over 90% of motor vehicle accidents across the state. That means most accidents aren’t the result of bad weather or faulty equipment but rather the drivers’ decisions behind the wheel.

• 1% of crashes ended in a fatality
• 31% led to injuries
• 17% were hit-and-run incidents
• 5% of crashes involved alcohol, but alcohol contributed to 38% of crash fatalities
• 17% of crashes were caused by driver inattention
• 6% were due to failure to yield the right-of-way
• 4% resulted from other types of improper driving, such as unsafe lane changes or ignoring traffic signals

These numbers make it clear that many crashes are not random. They result from preventable mistakes and poor decisions made by drivers behind the wheel.

Main Causes of Driver Error

Driver error takes many forms. Understanding these behaviors helps identify what went wrong and who should be responsible after a crash.

Here are some of the most common causes of driver error:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of traffic collisions. This includes texting, using a GPS, adjusting the radio, eating, or even talking to passengers. These distractions may seem harmless, but they take a driver’s attention off the road, often just long enough for a serious accident. Looking away for a few seconds can have devastating consequences, especially at high speeds.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription or over-the-counter medications, dramatically increases the risk of a crash. Impairment affects reaction time, coordination, and decision-making. Despite awareness campaigns and strict DUI enforcement in New Mexico, impaired driving continues to play a major role in traffic fatalities.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding doesn’t just break the law; it reduces a driver’s ability to respond to sudden hazards. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights create dangerous situations for everyone on the road. When drivers exceed the speed limit or fail to adapt to road conditions, the risk of a high-impact collision rises significantly.

Fatigue

Drowsy driving is often underestimated, but it’s just as dangerous as impairment. Long work hours, poor sleep, or untreated sleep disorders can leave drivers struggling to stay alert. Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment, and in many cases, sleepy drivers don’t even react before a crash occurs.

Inexperience and Poor Decision-Making

New drivers, especially teens, are more likely to misjudge distances, speeds, or traffic flow. Inexperience can lead to overcorrections, delayed reactions, or failing to recognize hazards in time. While many young drivers are careful, a lack of time on the road makes it harder to avoid dangerous mistakes.

Failure to Follow Traffic Rules

Ignoring traffic laws is a direct path to collisions. Failing to yield, running red lights, improper lane changes, and neglecting turn signals increase the chance of a crash. These actions show a disregard for safety and often form the basis of a negligence claim in a personal injury case.

Consequences of Driving Error

When a driver makes a mistake behind the wheel, the results can be life-changing for everyone involved. Victims often suffer both physical and emotional trauma, along with financial strain that can affect their families for years.

Common consequences of car accidents caused by driver error include:

• Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, fractures, and internal bleeding
• Long-term medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
• Loss of income from missed work or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering resulting from physical limitations or emotional distress
• Vehicle damage and transportation disruption
• Wrongful death in the most tragic cases

These outcomes show why accountability matters. Victims shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of another person’s reckless or careless behavior, especially when the harm could have been prevented.

Recent case results

$9.5 Million

Negligent shooting

$4 Million

Drunk driving collision

$2.5 Million

Wrongful death of motorcyclist

$2 Million

Drunk driving collision

$1.6 Million

Wrongful death

$1.5 Million

Auto collision

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What to Do After a Car Accident

Taking the proper steps after a crash can protect your health and ability to pursue a claim. Here’s what New Mexico law requires and some helpful guidance for protecting your rights.

According to the New Mexico DMV accident guide:

• Stop your vehicle at the scene and move it out of traffic if possible, ensuring everyone’s immediate safety before proceeding.
• Exchange information with all involved drivers, including name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, insurance details, and driver’s license.
• Assist anyone injured by calling 911 or helping them access medical care until emergency responders arrive at the scene.
• Document the scene thoroughly, taking photos of vehicle damage, visible injuries, license plates, and current road and weather conditions.
• Report the crash to the police if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, as required by New Mexico law.
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor initially, since some symptoms may take hours or days to appear.
• Avoid discussing fault or making statements to insurers before speaking to a lawyer who can protect your rights and guide your next steps.

Preserving evidence and obtaining early legal guidance can make a substantial difference when building a personal injury claim.

Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Parnall Law, we help injury victims across New Mexico pursue justice and recover full compensation after preventable car accidents. When driver error turns your life upside down, you deserve answers and a legal team that listens, understands, and fights to protect your future. Call us today at (505) 268-6500 to speak with a car accident attorney and confidently explore your legal options.