Disclaimer: This article should not be treated as legal advice. It’s recommended that readers still consult legal counsel and contact a lawyer should they have any concerns regarding this topic.
When you own a vehicle, it’s not always smooth-sailing from there. Your vehicle is not only subject to maintenance and repair, but also rules and regulations. This means as a motorist, you should be aware and be careful enough to follow the proper laws in your area in order to avoid trouble with the law.
Of course, it’s not always easy to study the law because of its complicated nature. Here are some road accident laws motorists should know so you could have a head start.
It’s best to treat this list as a general checklist, however, and be sure to run them over with your legal counsel or lawyer, especially if you have any concerns with any items on this list.
The laws listed below however are not specific statues and articles, but rather a general overview of scenarios where certain road accident laws may exist. This is because states have their own versions of laws, which means there’s no “major” list of all road accidents laws that all motorists should know. These however you should give you a general idea of things to look out for, especially while driving, and if you are involved in an accident.
Be mindful where you are
Always be careful and take into consideration where you are when you’re driving. Certain locations, such as schools, have specified speed zones we have to follow, and of course, we have to follow traffic lights if they are present. These are simple rules that we have to follow, but disobeying these rules, and causing an accident in the process, can cause more trouble for those who violated these rules.
● For instance, if there’s an accident near areas with designated speed limits such as schools, finding out that there’s been some form of violation in this regard can lead to disastrous consequences for parties involved in the accident.
● Similarly, if there’s an accident that’s been caused by someone running a red light, it can get worse if a pedestrian causing the street near the traffic light has been injured in the process.
● It’s these little things that can contribute to factors that can increase the severity of an accident, so be sure to consult with your lawyer about these things for clarification.
Be careful with your devices
Distracted driving is steadily increasing the number of traffic incidents in the United States. Unfortunately, this is hard to lessen as a lot of people do rely on gadgets in order to work, such as phones or other navigational devices. This doesn’t mean however that we can simply become negligent in these matters and jeopardize the safety of others.
● For instance, distracted driving, which includes texting while driving, is causing a growing number of crashes when it comes to traffic. Some pedestrians or those who are walking are at the most risk, which means we have to be careful when we need to use our gadgets.
● If we are involved in an accident and it’s found out that someone has been negligent in this part, then this might be used in determining penalties.
Be careful with Driving Under Influence or Driving While Intoxicated
When it comes to vehicular accidents, an assessment will be made as to whether or not some form of alcohol or drugs are involved in the incident, as there are certain states with different laws on drunk driving that can affect the severity of the penalties on both drivers. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are often interchanged, but these have different definitions depending on the state in question.
● It’s also important to understand the parameters involved in these situations, as it’s not simply just alcohol or drugs in themselves that are involved. Certain penalties are adjusted if you’re not under the influence but you are in possession of these, or if you reach a certain intoxication level that is prescribed by law.
● These differ from state to state, so understanding how these can factor in your penalties are important.
Being a motorist and owning a vehicle is convenient, especially as a means of transportation. However, always remember that as a motorist, you also have regulations to follow. Remembering the basics and making sure that you are capable of fulfilling your responsibilities as a motorist is a good way to avoid accidents. If you do become part of a road accident, the above road accident laws may hopefully help you in the aftermath of the crash. Should you find yourself in any need to confirm or learn more about some accident laws, it’s always best to consult legal counsel.
Lea Taylor Lea Taylor is a law writer who spends much of her time writing pieces on law topics for the common reader. Lea is the resident comedian of the office, often cracking jokes to lighten the mood. She always has a delightful story to make everyone smile.
