Common Causes of Car Accidents in Visalia Explained

You’re driving through Visalia like you’ve done a hundred times before. Then it happens. A sudden crash. Metal bends. Your body jolts. In seconds, everything changes. You’re injured, shaken, and already worrying about medical bills, missed work, and calls from insurance companies.

After a collision, many people are left asking the same questions: Why did this happen? Who is at fault? What should I do next?

This guide explains the most common causes of car accidents in Visalia, the evidence that matters, and how understanding your rights can help protect your health and your future.

Distracted Driving: Phones, Texting, and “Eyes Off the Road” Moments

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in Visalia. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, nearly 3,275 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, and an estimated 333,000 people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

Looking at a phone for just a few seconds can be enough to miss a stopped vehicle, a changing traffic signal, or a sudden slowdown. Mobile phones and in-car technology pull attention away from the road and delay reaction time.

Common distractions include:

• Texting or checking notifications
• Using GPS or navigation apps
• Taking calls or adjusting music

Because distraction isn’t always visible, evidence matters. Witness statements, crash reports, and phone records can help show how driver error contributed to the accident.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving: When Speed Limits Don’t Match Safe Driving

Speeding is a major factor in many crashes because it reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. On wet or busy Visalia roads, going faster than conditions allow turns a routine drive into a sudden collision. In 2023, speeding was a contributing factor in about 35% of all traffic fatalities in California, underscoring how common this dangerous behavior is.

Common risky actions include:

• Tailgating leading to rear-end collisions
• Unsafe passing on two-lane roads
• Unsafe lane changes without proper signaling

These behaviors are classic examples of driver error, not bad luck. When drivers exceed a safe speed, especially in changing weather or heavy traffic, crashes are predictable rather than random.

DUI / Impaired Driving: Alcohol, Drugs, and Delayed Braking

Impaired driving happens when alcohol or drugs slow reaction time, reduce judgment, and affect braking and coordination. Even small increases in blood alcohol concentration can make it harder to respond to traffic signals or sudden stops. DUI remains a serious public safety concern across California.

Common DUI crash patterns include:

• Intersection collisions
• Wrong-way driving
• Rear-end crashes caused by delayed braking

These crashes are rarely unavoidable. Impaired driving continues to be one of the most dangerous and preventable contributors to serious injuries and fatalities.

Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, Worn Markings, and Mechanical Surprises

Poor road conditions can quickly cause drivers to lose control. Potholes, faded lane markings, and uneven pavement affect steering, braking, and tire traction, especially at higher speeds. Crashes may also involve mechanical failure, such as worn tires, brake system issues, or unresolved vehicle recalls.

If road or vehicle issues played a role, document:

• Photos of the hazard and the surrounding area
• Exact location and time of the crash
• Visible vehicle damage

Clear documentation helps explain how these conditions contributed to the collision.

Weather-Related Accidents: Rain, Hydroplaning, and Night Visibility

Rain changes road conditions fast. Slick pavement reduces traction. Standing water can cause hydroplaning. At night, glare and poor visibility make hazards harder to see. These factors increase crash risk, especially when drivers fail to slow down or adjust.

Common weather-related risks include:

• Standing water on roadways
• Worn tires with low tread depth
• Delayed braking on wet pavement
• Night driving glare and reduced visibility

These are common causes of car accidents in Visalia, but the weather does not erase fault. Under California Vehicle Code § 22350, drivers are required to adjust to conditions.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Visalia

If you were involved in an accident, what you do in the minutes and days after the crash can affect your health and your claim. Stay calm. Act deliberately. Focus on safety and gathering documentation.

After an accident, take these steps:

• Call 911 and report the crash
• Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor.
• Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, and injuries
• Exchange information with other drivers and witnesses
• Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies
• Call the best car accident attorney in Visalia.

Prompt action helps protect your health, preserves evidence, and supports any future claim.

How a Visalia Car Accident Attorney Helps Maximize Compensation

After a crash, insurance companies often move fast to protect their bottom line. They may downplay injuries, dispute liability, or push low settlement offers before the full impact is clear. That’s where a Visalia car accident attorney makes a real difference.

Legal help increases claim value by:

• Gathering strong evidence and complete medical documentation
• Using crash reconstruction when the fault is disputed
• Negotiating directly with insurance companies
• Preparing the case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered

A trusted Visalia car accident attorney like Farahi Law Firm focuses on protecting your recovery, not rushing your claim.

FAQs About Car Accidents in Visalia