For many, traffic is one of the most frustrating parts of driving. Whether it’s rush hour traffic or a backup due to a hazard in the road, navigating traffic congestion can be tiresome. However, it’s necessary to understand that while this is frustrating, traffic can also be dangerous. As such, accidents can occur more frequently when things are moving slowly. The following blog explores what you must know about these instances and how motor vehicle accident attorneys can assist you if injured by a negligent driver during a traffic jam.
Why is traffic congestion dangerous?
Traffic can be dangerous for several reasons. Unfortunately, when there are more cars on the road, there’s an increased chance of an accident happening. Additionally, many drivers become frustrated and engage in unsafe behaviors. This includes tailgating, road rage, and quickly accelerating before stopping suddenly. Similarly, drivers may try to weave in and out of traffic, which can lead to accidents if they are not careful.
What common accidents occur during traffic?
In general, many different kinds of accidents can occur when traffic is heavy. Most commonly, rear-end collisions occur. This is because some drivers may not pay attention during slow-moving traffic, thus colliding with the vehicle in front of them. They may be distracted by their phone, daydreaming, or passengers. Additionally, if someone is tailgating the driver in front of them, they may be unable to stop in time to prevent a collision.
Also typical are side-swipe accidents, which occur when a vehicle collides with the side of another. Generally, these happen during traffic due to drivers switching lanes quickly without checking to ensure they are in the clear. As such, a vehicle in their blind spot may be hit as a result.
Finally, drivers may be involved in accidents because they fail to collide with another vehicle when making an illegal U-turn to avoid the traffic they are sitting in. Often, drivers will use U-turns in the medians that are only authorized for emergency vehicles to avoid traffic. Unfortunately, due to the dangerous nature of this maneuver, they can often collide with passing cars.
What should I do after an accident?
When struck by a negligent driver during a traffic jam, knowing how to respond is crucial. If possible, pull over to a safe location. Be sure to call the police to file a report and request medical attention for the injuries you’ve endured. If you are physically able to, you should take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the other car, as well as any injuries you sustained.
However, the most important thing to do is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. When you are injured, you’ll likely endure high medical bills and other financial damages. As such, you deserve compensation from the negligent party. At Friedman Schuman, our dedicated legal team understands how complex car accidents can be. As such, we will do everything possible to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
