Common Traffic Violations that Lead to Car Accidents
Traffic violations occur when drivers break traffic laws that regulate the operation of vehicles on streets and highways. There is a long list of traffic violations that drivers must avoid to prevent traffic tickets and potential car accidents. When a driver breaks a traffic law such as running a red light, they endanger themselves, other drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who are sharing the road with them.
There are many reasons that drivers violate traffic laws and receive traffic tickets. When a car accident happens as a result of one driver violating a traffic law, the responding officer will generally issue a traffic ticket and explain the traffic violation in their collision report. Insurance companies review the collision report and will often assign liability for injuries to the driver who violated the traffic law.
If you were involved in a car accident that was caused by a driver who broke a traffic rule, you are entitled to a full and fair settlement for your injuries. Contact a local car accident lawyer to discuss your case.
Some Common Traffic Violations Associated to Car Accidents
These are the most common traffic violations that lead to car accidents:
Speeding
When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for current road conditions, they may receive a ticket for speeding. The reason for this is that driving above the speed limit dramatically increases the risk of car accidents because they may struggle to brake in time to avoid crashing into another vehicle, object, or pedestrian. A speeding vehicle is also more likely to lose control on a turn and collide with other vehicles or obstacles on the side of the road.
Failure to observe traffic signs or signals
Running a red light or blowing through a stop sign are both very dangerous actions that often lead to crashes because traffic legally driving in the opposite direction isn’t expecting a vehicle to be coming toward them. These actions are easy to identify as the cause of a car accident.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving behaviors include weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating. Drivers are expected to drive in a safe manner and that includes keeping a “reasonable and prudent” distance between their vehicle and any vehicle in front of them. They must also use turn signals and allow a reasonable space between their vehicle and others when passing. Drivers who tailgate or weave in and out of traffic without using appropriate signals are not only at risk of getting a traffic ticket; they are increasing their chance of causing a car accident.
Cell phones
Texting while driving is one of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents. Drivers in Washington State are prohibited from holding an electronic device – including phones, tablets, and other electronic devices – while driving, including while in traffic or waiting for a traffic light to change. When drivers are distracted by cell phones while driving, they are risking a dangerous car accident.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
