Improper Passing Accidents

Cars pass each other on the road constantly. However, when a driver fails to adhere to safe practices and improperly passes another vehicle, serious accidents with significant injuries may occur. The Jacksonville car accident attorneys at The Lawrence Law Group help victims who have been injured by a careless driver pursue legal action to financially account for the costs related to their injuries. Our firm offers dedicated and compassionate legal guidance to people suffering after a car crash, making sure that they know their legal rights and understand their options. If you have been injured in an improper passing accident and wish to talk to an attorney regarding your case, contact us today to learn more about our services.

There are certain actions that drivers must take when passing another vehicle to make sure that it is safe to do so. First, drivers are required to use their turn signals so that other road users can prepare for a lane change or merging maneuver. Additionally, drivers should check their mirrors and any blind spots on their vehicles, especially when driving SUVs and large cars, to make sure that there is enough room for a safe pass.

In Florida, there are some passes that are prohibited and subject to citations. Passing on the right is generally illegal, except when the other vehicle is turning left on a two-lane road, and there is enough room to pass without danger. Engaging in a blind pass, whereby the driver cannot fully see oncoming traffic, is not allowed. A driver at the bottom of a hill or traveling on a windy road may not have sufficient sight to engage in a proper pass. Also prohibited are passing maneuvers that endanger other vehicles, such as cutting off another driver closely and at a high speed. An improper passing violation is a common citation after an accident has occurred.

Additionally, drivers must follow certain protocols when trying to pass a bicyclist. Vehicles attempting to pass a cyclist must keep at least three feet between their car and the bike. Improper passing is often a factor in serious bicycle accidents, especially when drivers are not mindful of sharing the road.

Serious injuries may result from an accident caused by an improper pass. Significant costs are often associated with these injuries, and therefore a victim may need to take legal action against an at-fault driver to fully cope with those expenses. Personal injury cases are most often based on a legal theory called negligence, which applies when a driver has breached a duty of care toward another motorist by acting unsafely and causing a crash. Citations issued for improper passing do not automatically prove negligence, but they may be used as compelling evidence of who was deemed at fault for a collision.

Victims injured in an improper passing accident may be awarded compensation for past and future medical expenses, as well as their loss of income, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering in instances in which a permanent injury has occurred. These claims must be filed within three years from the date of the injury to be valid, making timing important in the aftermath of a crash.

Recovering from car accident injuries may take a lot of time, during which victims often endure physical and emotional turmoil. The Jacksonville attorneys at The Lawrence Law Group are available to ensure that your financial burden is eased and that the negligent parties responsible for causing your harm are held accountable. Our firm represents injured people and their families throughout Duval, Clay, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Baker, Brevard, Union, Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton, Jefferson, Volusia, and Alachua Counties. If you have been injured in an improper passing accident, contact us online or call us at (904) 632-0077 to schedule a free consultation with a motor vehicle collision lawyer.