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5 Traffic Violations That Commonly Lead to Car Accidents
A car accident can be a harrowing experience. In the blink of an eye, your vehicle can be damaged or totaled, and you or your passengers can be seriously injured. Every day, thousands of car accidents occur on roads and highways across the United States. While some of these accidents are caused by weather or road conditions, many are the result of driver error, including violations of traffic laws and actions by drivers that put other people at risk of harm. Here are 5 traffic violations that commonly lead to car accidents:
1. Speeding
Drivers who travel faster than the posted speed limit are more likely to be involved in serious accidents. Speeding makes it more difficult for a person to control their vehicle, and it leaves them less time to react to hazards on the road. Additionally, speeding can increase the severity of an accident by causing vehicles to collide with greater force. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal car accidents.
2. Running Red Light or Stop Signs
Disobeying traffic signs and signals is another common violation that often leads to accidents. When drivers proceed through intersections without stopping as required, they put themselves and others in danger. A driver who runs a red light or stop sign is much more likely to be involved in a collision with another vehicle. These situations often involve T-bone collisions in which one vehicle strikes another from the side, potentially resulting in serious injuries for the occupants. A driver may also strike a pedestrian who is crossing the road, and this may lead to serious or fatal injuries for the person on foot.
3. Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way
Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians under certain circumstances. For example, drivers must yield when turning left at an intersection, when merging onto a freeway, and when approaching a pedestrian crosswalk. When drivers fail to yield when required, they can significantly increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident. These may include pedestrian accidents or sideswiping other vehicles or forcing them off the road.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Drunk or drugged driving is a leading cause of car accidents. When drivers get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, their judgment and reflexes are impaired. This makes it more difficult for them to control their vehicles and react to hazards on the road. The NHTSA reports that in 2020 alone, more than 11,000 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in the United States.
5. Distracted Driving
With the advent of cell phones and other technology, distracted driving has become a serious problem on roads and highways in the United States. When a driver looks away from the road or is otherwise distracted—even for a moment—they may fail to notice important details or be able to react in time to avoid colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian. Distracted driving can include anything from talking or texting on the phone to eating and drinking to fiddling with the radio. A driver who acted unsafely in this way and caused an accident may be held liable for injuries and damages that have affected others.
Contact Our Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents can have devastating consequences, including causing significant property damage, severe injuries, and even wrongful death. If you have recently been in an accident, the Milwaukee, WI personal injury attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, LLP can help you understand what may have caused it, including any traffic violations that were committed by the at-fault driver. In cases where a driver acted negligently by violating the law or otherwise driving unsafely, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. To learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, contact us at 414-271-1440.
Sources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
