It probably would not surprise you to learn that accidents can happen in traffic jams. When there are a lot of people on the road, any one of them can make a mistake that results in a collision. An accident could easily involve multiple cars too. If you are dealing with traffic congestion, be on the lookout for bad behaviors from other drivers. If you do end up getting injured in an accident, our distracted driving accidents lawyers can help you.
What Bad Behaviors Cause Accidents in Traffic Congestion?
Traffic congestion rarely brings out the best in us. Drivers can get impatient or stop paying attention to the road. Others try their best to get around the congestion and find an alternative route, but this can be dangerous too. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, you should avoid doing things like:
Getting distracted: It can be easy to zone out when traffic is moving slowly. If you take the time to check your phone, eat, or do anything else that takes your eyes away from the road, you might regret it. There is not much room to stop when the roads are so congested.
Getting angry: A driver who sits in traffic congestion getting angrier and angrier could end up making a mistake that causes an accident. If you find yourself getting frustrated in a traffic jam, try to calm down and relax. Getting angry won’t get you to your destination any faster. If you notice another driver trying desperate moves to get ahead, you might want to avoid them.
Driving on the shoulder: Some people think that they can get around everyone else by just driving up the shoulder. This behavior can get you a ticket though, and it could lead to a collision with an emergency vehicle, another driver who gets the same bright idea as you, or a motorcycle driver who wants to take a shortcut.
Switching lanes: Sometimes drivers notice that the oncoming traffic lane looks clear and they think that they should switch lanes, driving the wrong way for just long enough to get around a jam. This can easily lead to a deadly head-on collision though.
What Should I Do If I Get Hurt in an Accident?
You need to document everything. We recommend:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene and the damage to any cars involved
- Exchanging info with other drivers involved
- Talking to any witnesses who saw the crash
- Calling the police and getting a copy of the police report
If you have injuries, get them treated and keep copies of any bills. Then think about hiring a personal injury attorney and suing for damages.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are considering suing for compensation, make sure that you have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Contact Zlotolow & Associates, P.C. and schedule a consultation. We can tell you more about the potential value of your case and what our firm can do to assist you.
