If you own or operate a motor vehicle on a routine basis, you know the importance of practicing safe driving behaviors while giving the road ahead your undivided attention. Unfortunately, the world is full of distractions and pressures that make it all too easy to drive irresponsibly. Many vehicle accidents could be prevented if certain types of negligence were avoided in the first place. Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers share some of the most common culprits.
Types of Negligence Related to Driving
According to the Legal Information Institute,
negligence can be defined as "a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances." Negligence isn't always intentional, but it doesn't have to be to put a driver at fault in certain situations.
Distracted Driving
Multitasking isn't always a good thing, especially when you're behind the wheel of a car. Anything that takes your eyes or your focus off the road, even for a moment, can be considered distracted driving. Operating a cell phone is one of the most common yet serious ways Maricopa County residents can drive distracted. Other behaviors include:
- Eating
- Applying makeup
- Adjusting vehicle settings, including sound systems
- Interacting with other passengers
- Searching for items in the vehicle
Ideally, these activities should only occur when a car is safely parked.
Traffic Law Violations
Accidentally or purposefully failing to abide by the rules of the road are both types of negligence that can easily lead to a car crash. Running red lights and stop signs, passing another vehicle in a no-passing zone, failing to yield, and going above or below the speed limit can all lead to serious accidents and injuries. In general, most drivers expect others on the road to follow traffic laws; it can be difficult or impossible to avoid collisions when the rules are broken.
Driving Under the Influence
No one should ever operate a motor vehicle when under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other substances that can alter concentration and reaction time. Unfortunately, our experienced team of
drunk driving accident lawyers in Phoenix know that DUIs are a significant cause of fatalities on the road today. However, even beneficial medications for common health conditions can still impair your driving. It is negligent to drive a car when there is anything in your system that affects your ability to drive safely.
Following Too Closely
Whether you're in a rush or tired of the traffic, tailgating may seem like a harmless and widespread practice. Even so, this negligent behavior can significantly increase your risk of being involved in a traffic accident, no matter how fast or slow you are going. Anything less than a three-second gap or three car lengths between vehicles is considered unsafe.
What To Do When Common Types of Negligence Cause an Accident
If you live in Arizona and are involved in an automobile accident that resulted from these or other types of negligence, it's important that you get the legal support you need to protect yourself, your assets, and your family. At Sargon Law Group, our
Phoenix car accident lawyers specialize in helping clients every step of the way after an accident, so they can have the peace of mind they deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about our services for those in the Maricopa County area.
