For many, sitting in traffic is one of the worst parts of driving. This can be incredibly frustrating, as it may cause you to be late for appointments or work. However, this is only exacerbated when you are struck and injured by another driver. Unfortunately, traffic does increase the chances of being involved in a collision, so knowing how to proceed with the help of a San Angelo, Texas auto accident lawyer in this situation is vital. Keep reading to learn more about how these collisions happen and why traffic congestion can be dangerous.
Why Is Traffic Congestion Dangerous?
When there is a traffic jam, whether this is due to rush hour or construction on the road, increases the number of cars in one area. As such, the odds that a crash will occur will increase.
With the influx of vehicles on the road all moving slowly, frustrations can grow. Some drivers may become aggressive and begin driving in an unsafe manner. This includes tailgating the car in front of them, weaving in and out of traffic to try to get ahead, speeding up and stopping quickly, and refusing to let other vehicles merge into their lane.
How Do Collisions Occur in Traffic?
Unfortunately, when stuck in traffic, other drivers may not pay attention. They may be distracted by their phones, daydreaming, chatting with their passengers, or eating. Because vehicles are moving at a slower pace, some drivers become too relaxed. As such, they may not notice when they are quickly approaching the car in front of them. As such, rear-end collisions are common in traffic.
Additionally, drivers may sideswipe or collide with other vehicles while trying to switch lanes. Unfortunately, some drivers may not pay attention when trying to merge, resulting in a collision with a car in their blind spot.
Finally, crashes can occur when one driver attempts to leave the traffic jam by making an illegal U-turn. Because these maneuvers are dangerous, it is not uncommon for a driver to collide with a passing vehicle on the road they are trying to turn on. For example, drivers may use the gaps in medians on highways intended for emergency vehicles to evade traffic, only to collide with another car.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt By Another Driver?
When you are injured by another driver during a traffic jam, it’s important to proceed with caution. The first thing you should do is find a safe spot to pull over if your car is able to. You should also call emergency services as soon as possible to report the incident, request a police presence, and ask for emergency medical care. If you are physically able, you’ll want to take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle, the vehicle that hit you, and any injuries you’ve endured.
Finally, you’ll want to contact the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, navigating a car crash can be incredibly complex, so letting someone well-versed in the law handle these issues so you can focus on healing is vital. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.
