Irving Improper Passing Accident Lawyer
Improper passing can lead to deadly accidents, especially when combined with other forms of aggressive driving. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), improper passing is a factor in many of the nation’s worst car accidents.
Passing laws are important for safety. When a driver breaks these laws, they endanger their own life as well as the lives of their passengers and other people on the road. Improper passing often leads to fatal head-on collisions.
In most cases, it’s easy to determine liability in these accidents. The driver passing illegally or performing a reckless maneuver is at fault. However, it’s still important to have a good lawyer on your side.
If you’ve been in an accident in Irving, TX, caused by improper passing, call (469) 998-4069 today. Our lawyers will provide a free, no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your case and help you determine how to win.
Passing Laws Prevent Accidents
Like all traffic laws, the rules about passing aren’t arbitrary. Passing laws keep people safe. These laws consider speed limits, visibility issues such as blind spots, and other factors to help reduce accidents.
Unfortunately, many drivers make illegal passes every day. Sometimes, drivers violate the law on purpose. They may have road rage or simply lack respect for others. However, in some cases, improper passing occurs due to ignorance.
In Texas, all drivers must obey the following laws when passing on the highway. To protect yourself, your family, and others on the road, always follow these rules:
- Never pass on the right.
- Always check your blind spots before changing lanes to pass another car.
- Always use your turn signal. You must signal for at least 100 feet before changing lanes. (For reference, if you are driving 35 mph, you will cover this distance in two to three seconds.)
- You may only pass if road conditions are safe and passing does not obstruct the flow of traffic.
- If there are signs indicating “Left Lane For Passing Only,” don’t linger in the left lane. Return to the right lane as soon as it’s safe. This is common on many Texas highways. Left-hand passing lanes should never be used as “fast lanes” for speeding.
- When passing, don’t return to your original lane until you see the other vehicle’s headlines in your rearview mirror. This ensures that you’ve created a safe distance.
- As a general rule, remember this: if you can’t pass properly, don’t pass at all.
Many cars are also equipped with safety systems to prevent improper passing. These systems include cameras, motion sensors, and blind-spot warnings. If there’s a vehicle in your blind spot as you are changing lanes, your safety system will alert you to stop.
Additionally, remember to keep a safe distance and drive carefully around large vehicles. Tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, and other large vehicles have greater blind spots than normal cars.
If you pass improperly, large vehicles will be less likely to see you. This can result in severe accidents, leading to property damage, injury, and death. Although you can’t control other drivers’ behavior, you can obey the law to protect yourself.
Injuries Caused by Improper Passing Accidents
Improper passing accidents can result in a variety of injuries. Often, passing improperly results in head-on collisions, side-impact collisions, or rollover accidents. Multi-car accidents are also a frequent byproduct of improper passing.
In each of these types of accidents, drivers and passengers may suffer significant injuries. Accident victims may require surgery, physical therapy, and long term care. Injuries from an improper passing accident may also result in permanent disability.
People who have been injured in an improper passing accident also experience severe emotional distress. PTSD, acute anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other psychological disorders are common.
Other injuries caused by improper passing accidents include:
Cuts, Burns, and Bruises
Victims may experience a wide array of superficial injuries. Cuts, burns, and bruises may be minor yet still painful. In extreme cases, they may be disfiguring. These injuries often accompany other, more severe medical problems caused by the accident.
Head and Neck Injuries
Head and neck injuries from an improper passing accident may be debilitating. These injuries include whiplash, spinal cord injury, skull fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The worst head and neck injuries cause paralysis and impair cognitive function. Some victims are unable to return to normal life as a result of these injuries.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Passing collisions may result in damage to internal organs, including internal bleeding. These injuries frequently require surgery. Occasionally, organs may be too damaged to repair and require the victim to undergo a transplant. Left untreated, internal damage can also cause infection and lead to death.
Broken Bones, Torn Ligaments, and Muscle Damage
Although not life-threatening, these injuries severely impact your quality of life. Broken bones, torn ligaments, and muscle damage usually require physical therapy. In extreme cases, mobility may be permanently affected. These injuries may prevent an accident victim from returning to work. They may also be unable to travel unassisted or engage in hobbies such as sports.
Fatal Injuries
In the worst accidents, injury can lead to death. Victims of an improper passing accident may be killed on the scene or pass away later as a result of their injuries. Fatalities are tragic and devastating to survivors. They also contribute to psychological and emotional problems.
Are You Owed Compensation From an Improper Passing Accident?
If you or someone you love has been in an accident caused by improper passing, find out if you are eligible for a settlement. Accident compensation can help you get your life back on track. It can cover medical bills, replace lost wages, and help you afford a new vehicle.
If you believe you deserve compensation, contact one of our Irving attorneys today. We will review your case and develop a legal strategy to help you win. Remember, you have rights in an improper passing accident.
Book your free consultation now by calling (469) 998-4069. You can also schedule an appointment using the contact form on our website.
