Arlington, TX Car Accident Lawyer

Attorney Addressing Driver Negligence in Car Accidents in Arlington, Texas

When car accidents happen, they can cause devastating damage and serious injuries. A person who is struck by another driver who was acting negligently may be affected in many ways. They may need emergency medical care, and the bills for the treatment they receive can pile up quickly, especially if they are hospitalized or will need ongoing physical therapy and other forms of care. The financial difficulties a person may experience can become even worse when their injuries prevent them from working temporarily or permanently. They may also experience other issues, such as emotional distress or PTSD.

Car accidents are typically caused by drivers who violate traffic laws or take other unsafe actions. A person who is responsible for causing a car wreck may be held liable for the damages suffered by a victim, including their financial losses and their pain and suffering. At the Law Office of J. Gregory Marks, our lawyer knows how to help injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve in these situations. He has achieved impressive results in personal injury cases, and he has the knowledge and skills needed to protect the rights of people who have been injured by negligent drivers.

The Role of Distracted Driving in Car Accidents

Of the different ways that drivers may put others at risk, distracted driving is one of the most serious, and it is becoming more and more common. Drivers can become distracted when their attention shifts to something other than driving. Even if distractions are brief, it only takes a moment of inattention for a driver to crash into someone else.

Distractions that can put people on the road at risk include:

• Visual Distractions: Anything that leads a person to take their eyes off the road, such as looking at their phone, can prevent them from noticing important details, such as another car that has slowed down or a traffic light that has turned red.
• Manual Distractions: When a driver takes their hands off the wheel to do something unrelated to driving, they may not have full control over their vehicle. Issues like eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for an item in the vehicle, or interacting with a phone can serve as manual distractions.
• Cognitive Distractions: A failure to fully focus on driving can affect a person's ability to notice changes in traffic and respond to potential hazards. Certain activities, such as making phone calls, can divide a driver's attention between multiple tasks, making them more likely to make dangerous mistakes.

The Dangers of Drunk and Drugged Driving

When drivers are intoxicated, they will be much more likely to be involved in serious accidents. Drunk driving can affect a person's ability to see the road, maintain control of their vehicle, and take the right actions to avoid collisions. Intoxication may involve the use of alcohol or drugs, including certain types of prescription medications or combinations of alcohol, controlled substances, or other substances.

People who have been using drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel may experience multiple types of effects that can lead to accidents, including:

• Slower reaction times when braking or steering to avoid a hazard
• Reduced coordination, which can affect a person's ability to steer, brake, and maintain full control of their vehicle
• Blurred or reduced vision, which can make it harder to see other vehicles or pedestrians, judge distances, and understand how fast a vehicle is moving
• Poor judgment and decision-making, which can lead to dangerous behaviors like speeding or ignoring traffic signals

Traffic Violations That Can Lead to Collisions

Drivers may commit a wide variety of violations of the laws that are designed to keep roads safe. Common violations that may result in car wrecks include:

• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: When a person ignores a stop sign or proceeds through an intersection without stopping at a red light, they may cause a T-bone collision or another type of dangerous accident.
• Speeding: When a person exceeds the posted speed limit, they may not be able to slow down or perform other maneuvers in time to avoid a collision. When speeding, a person will have less time to react, and they could lose control if they attempt to swerve suddenly.
• Illegal Turns: A driver may make a turn from the wrong lane, which can lead to a sideswipe collision or another type of accident. A person who turns without signaling could hit another vehicle because the other driver had no warning or opportunity to react. A driver who turns across oncoming traffic without providing enough space may cause a head-on accident or a side-impact collision.
• Tailgating: When a person follows closely behind another vehicle, a sudden change in traffic may leave them with no ability to avoid a rear-end crash. Drivers may engage in tailgating while trying to force other drivers to speed up or in other situations that involve attempts at intimidation. They may be held liable for an accident caused by their failure to maintain a safe following distance.

Contact Our Arlington Car Accident Lawyer

At the Law Office of J. Gregory Marks, our lawyer can investigate a car accident to determine whether it was caused by a traffic violation or another form of negligence. He can help injury victims address the damages they have suffered, including their financial losses and their pain and suffering. He will work to negotiate settlements with insurance companies, making sure clients are treated fairly and advocating for full compensation for their damages. To get the legal help needed to resolve these cases successfully, contact our Arlington, TX car wreck attorney at 214-427-4417 and schedule a free consultation.