7 Common Traffic Violations That Can Lead to Car Accidents

 Posted on September 12, 2023 in Car Accidents

While most drivers try to stay safe while they are on the road, they may still become involved in car accidents through no fault of their own. While accidents can happen for many reasons, traffic violations are some of the most common causes. When drivers disobey the rules of the road, they put themselves and others at risk of being injured in accidents. If you have been involved in a collision that was caused by a driver who violated traffic laws, a skilled attorney can help you understand your options.

Some of the most common violations that lead to car accidents include:

Speeding

Many drivers exceed the speed limits, either on purpose or because they do not pay attention to how fast they are going. Speeding affects a driver's ability to react in time to avoid collisions. It can also increase the severity of injuries if an accident occurs.

Distracted Driving

In today's digital age, there are many distractions that can affect drivers. People who do not fully pay attention to the road can miss important details. Looking away from the road and paying attention to other objects, people, or events can affect a driver’s ability to see what is happening around their vehicle. Taking one’s hands off the wheel to perform other tasks can affect a driver’s control of their car. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it takes a driver’s attention away from the road and limits their ability to respond in time to avoid a collision.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Disobeying traffic signs or signals is a violation that often leads to accidents. When drivers proceed through intersections without checking for oncoming or cross traffic, T-bone collisions can occur. These violations can also result in pedestrian accidents when drivers strike people who are crossing the road.

Tailgating

Following too closely behind another vehicle is not only rude, but it can also be very dangerous. Without enough distance between vehicles, a driver will have less time to react if another driver slows down suddenly. This can lead to rear-end collisions, which can cause injuries and property damage for people in a vehicle that is struck from behind.

Dangerous Lane Changes

Failing to use turn signals or changing lanes without checking blind spots can increase the risks of accidents. These actions can surprise other drivers who may not be prepared for sudden lane changes. Sideswipe accidents can occur, or a vehicle may be forced off the road. When these violations occur on highways while vehicles are traveling at high speeds, accidents can be very serious, and people are more likely to be injured.

Reckless Driving

There are many ways drivers may behave recklessly, such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, illegal passing, street racing, and more. When drivers commit these types of violations, they put everyone around them at risk. In some cases, they may even purposely collide with others with the intent to inflict injuries or property damage. Reckless drivers should be held responsible for behaving in ways that caused others to suffer harm.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most irresponsible traffic violations that a person can commit. In many cases, drunk driving leads to catastrophic accidents. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased coordination. They will be much more likely to lose control of their vehicles and collide with others, causing serious injuries.

Contact Our Plainfield Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident due to a violation committed by another driver, you will want to make sure you take the correct steps to pursue financial compensation. At Flaherty Law, LLC, our Will County car accident lawyer can help you show that another driver injured you by violating traffic laws or acting recklessly. We will work to ensure that you will be able to move forward following your accident, receive the medical treatment you need, and avoid financial difficulties. Contact us at 815-577-7500 to set up a free consultation.