What Types of Driving Behaviors Are Negligent in a Car Accident Injury Claim?

 Posted on April 23, 2021 in Car Accidents

Even though the number of deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents have decreased for the third year in a row, the number of injuries that are sustained by victims is astronomical. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 4.5 million people who sought medical care for injuries sustained in car accidents in 2019 at an estimated cost of $463 billion. Many people who suffer from car accident injuries suffer the effects of these costs, which include medical expenses, wage loss, motor vehicle damage and more. Many times, car accidents are caused by the negligence of another driver and are entirely preventable. If another driver was acting negligently, you may be able to hold them accountable for the costs related to your injuries.

What is Negligence?

According to Illinois law, negligence occurs when a person fails to do something that a reasonably careful person would do, or does something that a reasonably careful person would not do. In addition to proving negligence, you must also be able to prove that the driver’s negligence was the cause of your injuries and that you would not have been injured if they had not acted in a negligent manner.

Negligent Driving Behaviors

There are many different types of behaviors that can pose a danger when drivers take part in them on the road. Here are some of the most common types of negligent driving behaviors:

• Distracted Driving: In today’s world, distracted driving is a big issue. Distracted driving can include anything from using your cell phone to eating or checking yourself in the mirror while driving. Anything that takes your attention away from the road is considered a distraction and can be dangerous.
• Speeding: Speed limits are put into place for a reason -- to keep people safe. When people go over the speed limit, there is a higher chance of getting into a car accident or that an accident will be more severe if one does happen.
• Driving While Under the Influence: While we all know that drinking and driving is not a good idea, it still happens. There were more than 10,000 people alone that were killed by impaired drivers in 2019 and millions more injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Drowsy Driving: Driving while extremely fatigued puts yourself and everyone else at risk. Nearly 700 people died from drowsy driving accidents in 2019, according to the NHTSA.

Our Bloomingdale, IL Car Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help

When you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, you are responsible for your actions and should be aware of everything and everyone around you. Unfortunately, not everyone acts this way when driving. If you have been in a car accident with a negligent driver, you should speak with a DuPage County car accident injury lawyer right away. At the Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C., we can help you obtain compensation for injuries and other expenses stemming from car accident injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-665-5678.

Sources:

https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/introduction

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/10.00.pdf

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813060