Whether you were involved in a serious car accident, truck accident, motorcycle crash, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident, it is more than likely that the accident occurred as a result of someone’s negligence. Unfortunately, negligent drivers are one of the main reasons crashes and serious injuries occur on our roads.
Defining Negligent Driving
You may already have a picture in your mind of a negligent driver, but did you know that there are many different behaviors that a driver can participate in that can make him or her negligent behind the wheel? Some negligent driving behaviors can include:
- Distracted driving. Drivers who aren’t paying full attention to the road are usually allowing themselves to be distracted by things in their vehicles such as cell phones, food, passengers, and pets. Most distracted driving accidents are caused by drivers who are texting and driving and talking on their cell phones—both handheld and hands-free. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guidelines for safe driving, distraction is anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off of driving.
- Speeding. Speed limits are posted for a reason. When people drive well above the speed limit, they are actually driving recklessly. Unfortunately, reckless drivers have a tendency to run red lights and stop signs, be unable to bring their vehicles to a complete stop in time, and cause others to crash.
- Aggressive driving. When drivers tailgate, weave in and out of traffic, cut other drivers off, or participate in road rage behaviors, they are increasing their chances of causing serious injuries to others sharing the road with them.
- Drunk and drugged driving. When people consume alcohol or take illegal or prescriptions drugs before getting behind the wheel to drive, they are impairing their judgment, vision, and ability to drive safely. Consequently, people who drive impaired by alcohol or drugs have a high risk of crashing and causing serious harm to others.
Injured by a Negligent Driver? Contact Shevlin Smith Today
If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash caused by no fault of your own, chances are that someone else was acting negligently at the wheel. For help proving the other driver was at fault for the wreck, don’t delay hiring an attorney. At Shevlin Smith, we would love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have in a no obligation, free consultation. Call us today at 703-721-4233.