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Improper Passing Auto Accidents

Improper passing is a big problem. In our hectic world, everyone seems to be in a hurry, and many do not drive with due care and attention.

no passing zone sign in St. Louis, MO

Improper passing is one of the main causes of car accidents on our roads today.

Establishing liability in a car accident caused by improper passing

If someone has been injured due to a driver passing improperly, it is in their best interests to get help from an experienced attorney, in order to pursue a claim for compensation. The initial step involved in the process of claiming for a car accident is to determine who is liable. It must be determined that the driver was not driving carefully. It must be clear that it was their fault that the victim was hurt, then you can look to filing a claim against them.

There are clear laws in place regarding passing that we must all adhere to

These laws state that on a two-lane highway you cannot pass on a hill, you must never pass on a bend, and you should not pass when you can see other vehicles approaching you from the other direction. On a four-lane highway, you should try to avoid remaining in anyone else’s blind spot for longer than necessary. You must observe the speed limits. Trucks and vans have larger blind spots, so you have to ensure that you are not close behind them, or alongside them. You must always give lots of space when you pass. Don’t cut in right ahead of the vehicle, give them space and don’t slow down. It’s also a legal requirement for you to signal correctly when you are passing another vehicle. Essentially, the law states that you must only pass when it is totally safe for you to do so.

If you have been injured, your lawyer will need to prove that the other driver did not adhere to any of these laws. It must be proven that they were driving negligently and that this negligent driving was the direct cause of your injuries for which you are claiming. You will then need to show the evidence for anything you are claiming for such as medical bills and loss of earnings.

Avoiding an Accident When Passing Another Vehicle

highway car accident

Before a driver starts to pass another vehicle, the driver should make sure that there is enough room to complete the maneuver. If someone attempts to cut back into their lane too soon, there is a risk that they will sideswipe the motor vehicle they are trying to pass. If you take too long to get back into the lane, there is always a risk of a head-on collision with vehicles approaching from the other side. It is extremely important that when you attempt to pass a vehicle on a two-lane road, you should always pass to the left of the vehicle.

Avoiding Accidents When Passing

Here are several tips to keep in mind when passing another vehicle.

  • It is important to understand the acceleration and speed ability of your car. He says you should also know how to estimate the speed of the other vehicle you are attempting to pass. As a rule of thumb, if you are able to recognize the movement of any oncoming vehicles, it means it is too close for you to pass. If you are unsure whether you should risk a pass or not, you should stay in your own lane.
  • Watch out for intersections, and do not attempt to make a pass when you are in an intersection.
  • Maintain an adequate distance from the vehicle that you want to pass. This will help you get a clear view of the road ahead and any oncoming traffic.
  • Make sure you signal before you attempt a pass, and check the side view and rear view mirrors before changing lanes. Check your blind spot and move left only when you are confident it is safe.
  • Complete the maneuver as soon as you can. Once you can see the entire motor vehicle you passed in the rearview mirror, you should come back to your lane.
  • Make sure you keep a close check on your speed when you attempt a pass, and do not exceed the posted speed limit.

Safety Tips to Follow When You Are Being Passed

When you are being passed, there are high chances of a collision. You may choose to change lanes, the other vehicle may cut in too fast or too sharply, or the driver may have to return to the lane too quickly in case he or she misjudged the distance of oncoming traffic. It is important that you let the other vehicle pass safely, check oncoming traffic, and adjust your speed to allow the other driver to return to the lane as soon as possible. When you see that the other vehicle is trying to pass, you should not speed up and should stay to the right.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re putting in a claim of this type, it’s so important to hire the services of a reputable St Louis car crash attorney. This will give you the best chance of securing a good payout. When you’ve been involved in an accident, you can end up with injuries that affect you for a lifetime, not to mention the emotional impact such an event can have on you. This can affect your ability to work, perhaps for the rest of your life, so seeking compensation could make all the difference to your quality of life. Call (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.

Updated: October 27, 2022