What Is a Traffic Violation and How Can One Injure You?

Obeying traffic laws is something every licensed driver must do to arrive safely at their destination. No matter how carefully you drive, another driver’s decisions and behaviors can negatively impact your life. Traffic tickets do little to address the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages you suffered due to another driver’s negligence. If you suffered serious injuries at the hands of a driver who police charged with a traffic violation, contact a car accident lawyer today.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

With more than 17 million licensed drivers in Texas, the chances of encountering a dangerous driver are all too real. Licensed drivers—and unlicensed drivers —who take chances behind the wheel place you at risk for life-changing injuries.

According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the following types of violations are responsible for thousands of serious injuries and deaths in the state each year.

Speeding – Violating a posted speed limit can have serious consequences for the speeder and other drivers. The most recent TxDOT data shows that more than 100,000 crashes occurred in one recent year due to drivers who failed to control their speed.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites speeding as a frequent contributing factor in:

• Loss of vehicle control;
• Increased stopping distance;
• Reduced effectiveness of safety features; and
• The severity of injuries in a crash.

Speeding is also a form of aggressive driving that can escalate into road rage. A survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 percent of respondents admitted to speeding at least once within the previous month.

In addition to anger and aggression, the NHTSA lists the following as common reasons drivers speed:

• Running late for work, appointments, or another item on their schedule;
• A sense of detachment or disregard for others; and
• A disregard for the law or a belief they will not get caught.

A speeding driver who loses control of their vehicle can cause another driver devastating injuries. The decision to not obey posted speed limits demands that the speeding driver be held accountable for the accident victim’s damages.

Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way

Busy intersections and driver distractions can equal disaster for motorists. Of special concern are motorcycle accidents. According to the NHTSA, failure to yield the right-of-way is a contributing factor to most fatal motorcycle accidents.

While the driver responsible for failing to yield-the-right of way may face a traffic ticket, the accident victim may face major life changes. The at-fault driver’s split-second decision and failure to yield was negligent, and a lawyer can help you determine if they may be liable for your damages.

Unsafe Lane Changes

A driver who makes unsafe lane changes can cause a serious—and sometimes deadly—accident.

An unsafe lane change can result from:

• Aggressive driving: Sudden lane changes or purposely changing lanes to block another driver are forms of aggressive driving.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to judge distances and to maintain control of their vehicle.
• Drowsy driving: A driver who cannot stay awake may allow their vehicle to drift into other traffic lanes.

If another driver’s sudden lane change caused your accident injuries, help is available. A car accident lawyer can get to work investigating your accident and pursuing compensation on your behalf.

Speeding, failure to yield the right-of-way, and unsafe lane changes are just a few examples of serious traffic violations. These violations can have tragic consequences for other drivers. The at-fault driver must face accountability for the results of their reckless actions.

Common Types of Compensation for Accident Victims

A car accident lawyer typically negotiates with the other party’s insurance company for an out-of-court settlement. Many car accident claims never proceed to court; however, a lawyer with courtroom experience can present your case to a judge and jury if necessary.

Personal injury cases vary in their outcomes and compensation.

While a financial award is never guaranteed, it is possible to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses relating to your accident injuries;
• Ongoing medical expenses for long-term care, such as rehabilitation or staying in a skilled nursing facility;
• Lost wages from time missed working due to your recovery;
• Potential future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job; and
• Pain and suffering for the mental anguish, physical, and emotional stress of your injuries.

If a traffic violation resulted in a loved one’s death, you may qualify to file a wrongful death claim depending on your relationship with the decedent. A wrongful death lawyer can review your case to determine if pursuing legal action is right for you.

Cases involving wrongful death typically involve:

• Funeral and burial costs;
• Final medical costs for your loved one;
• Loss of income your loved one provided;
• Loss of future earnings from your loved one’s employment;
• Loss of inheritance; and
• Loss of companionship.

Securing legal representation can allow you more time to grieve and be with family. A lawyer can manage the details of your case, keep you informed, and fight for justice on behalf of your loved one.

Traffic Violations and Your Damages

A careless driver who commits a traffic violation can seriously harm or even kill other drivers. If you suffered serious injuries due to a driver who failed to obey traffic laws, a car accident lawyer can help you.

If a traffic violation resulted in a loved one’s death, you do not have to fight for justice alone. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, it can hold the responsible driver accountable for their actions.

All drivers have a responsibility to share the road and to obey traffic laws. A dangerous driver whose actions harm or kill another may face more than a traffic ticket; they may also face a civil claim and lawsuit.

A car accident lawyer who offers free case consultations can evaluate your evidence for no cost. Should you decide to proceed with legal action, most lawyers do not collect a fee unless they secure compensation for you.