For many of us, roadway travel is an indispensable, everyday practice. Whether by foot, car, motorcycle, or even big-rig, we rely on vehicles to get where we’re going.
The roadways, however, sometimes prove dangerous. According to the most recent data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), 37,361 people have died in crashes on roadways nationwide. Factors involved in these fatal accidents included alcohol, speed and distracted driving.
In Virginia, drivers have the duty to use ordinary care to keep a proper lookout, keep their vehicle under proper control, and to operate their vehicle at a reasonable speed under the existing conditions. Drivers who fail to use reasonable care and cause injury to others may be required to pay damages.
Distracted Driving:
According to the Drive Smart Virginia highway safety organization, distracted driving is a contributing factor in nearly 80% of all crashes and 65% of all near-crashes. NHTSA states that in 2015 approximately 391,000 individuals were injured due to distracted drivers and in 2016, 3,450 people were killed.
Distracted driving includes texting, use of cell phone, eating or drinking, grooming use of navigation system or any non-driving activity.
“Rubbernecking” is the term commonly used to describe drivers looking at roadway conditions, such as police activity or motor vehicle accidents, rather than paying attention to the flow of traffic. This is also considered one of the major causes of distracted driving.
Reckless Driving:
In Virginia, driving a vehicle at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person can be considered reckless. Racing, driving too fast for road conditions, failure to give proper signal and failure to yield right of way are also considered reckless driving. It is easy to see how any of these behaviors can cause an accident which could lead to serious injury.
DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated)
Being in a traffic accident is scary and stressful enough, but to find out that the other driver was driving under the influence just adds insult to injury. Driving under the influence does not just mean a driver has consumed too much alcohol, but also being under the influence of over the counter, prescription medication and/or illegal substances.
Drunk or impaired drivers threaten us all – we hold them accountable to protect our family, friends, neighbors and loved ones from becoming the next victim
We’re here to help:
Under Virginia law, victims of traffic accidents may be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, contact us today for a free legal consultation and let us see how we can help.