Causes of Car Accidents Car accidents are commonplace, and they often cause serious injuries. They also affect the lives of victims and their families. These injuries are caused by energy transferred by the impact. These include whiplash, head injuries and spinal cord trauma and limb injuries. Driver Errors No matter what vehicle you drive, driver error is the primary reason for nearly every car accident in the United States. Fortunately drivers can avoid these accidents by implementing safer driving practices and paying attention to the road