What Counts as Negligent Driving?

While some automobile accidents are unavoidable, many could be prevented if the driver, or drivers, had made better decisions or hadn’t been distracted in some way. Any time that a driver is careless or reckless, it is known as negligent driving. While negligent driving, in practice, takes many different forms, all of them are dangerous and greatly increase the risk of an accident occurring.

One of the most obvious, and unfortunately common, examples of negligent driving is distracted driving. A driver is considered distracted when he or she is more focused on a cell phone or similar device, radio, food, or anything else besides the road. Activities like texting while driving are never a good idea and are always considered negligent. If it is imperative to answer a text or change a playlist, pull over and do so rather than continuing to drive.

Negligent driving also encompasses activities that violate traffic laws. Speeding, running stop signs and red lights, improper turns, illegal lane shifts, and more are all reckless and greatly increase the chances of an accident occurring. Even during times in which an action is technically legal, it can be considered negligent if the weather or traffic situation makes it impractical. For example, it is recommended slowing down slightly lower than the speed limit if it is raining, so going 5 miles over the speed limit in a rainstorm can be considered negligent.

Negligent driving should always be avoided not only because it can cause an accident, but also because it almost always marks a person as at fault in an accident. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident with a negligent driver, you have full grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against that driver to receive compensation for medical expenses. To learn about how we at the Franco Law Firm can guide you through this process and help you win your case, feel free to call us any time at (813) 872-0929.