November 29, 2022

Does Heavy Traffic Cause Car Accidents?

The Montgomery County Car Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C., Help You Recover.

Thoughts of travel over holiday weekends may bring images to mind of bumper-to-bumper standstill traffic – little room for movement, lower risk of a car accident caused by speed or sudden changes, but ultimately, the cause of car accidents in heavy traffic falls on drivers who let their frustration get the best of them. When sitting in heavy traffic, people just want to get to their destination. That can cause stress levels to rise and result in drivers taking more risks than normal. Unfortunately, this often results in accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer today.

Common Heavy Traffic Accidents

  • Sideswipe: When people hit heavy traffic, they often try to change lanes rapidly to beat the traffic. This rarely works and can lead to sideswipe accidents. Because drivers are rapidly changing lanes, they may not see another car in their blind spot, resulting in a sideswipe accident.
  • Head-on: In some cases, drivers become so enraged at heavy traffic that they drive on the wrong side of the road. This often leads to head-on collisions, one of the deadliest car accidents.
  • T-Bone: If traffic congestion happens near an intersection, people may try to beat a light or simply run a stop sign. This can lead to T-bone accidents, which often cause life-altering injuries because of the speed and direction of impact.
  • Rear-end: Common heavy traffic accidents, rear-end collisions sound minor. In reality, they can lead to whiplash, neck and back injuries, and even spinal cord injuries, depending on the speed. These accidents happen frequently in heavy traffic because drivers simply are not paying attention and do not slow down in time.

What to Do After a Heavy Traffic Accident?

The steps you take after your accident can play an important role in your ability to get compensation for your injuries. Filing a legal claim against another driver may be the last thing on your mind, but it is important to take certain steps so that you give yourself the best chance of making a full and complete recovery.

  • Call 911. Even if your accident is minor and you do not feel any injuries, call 911. Doing so will send emergency medical personnel to the accident scene where they will evaluate you and make sure you do not have any injuries. If you do, they may treat them or take you to the hospital for further treatment. When you call 911, the police will also come to the accident scene where they will speak with you, the other driver, and witnesses. They will compile all of this information into a police accident report. While their report may not assign fault, it will provide an objective record of your accident. It may also include a diagram detailing how the accident occurred.
  • Take pictures and video. Pictures and video can be some of the best evidence of your crash. Make sure you get images and video of your injuries, all vehicles, and the entire accident scene. It can also be a good idea to record any witness statements.
  • Speak with witnesses. While the police will speak with witnesses when they put together their accident report, you should also speak to them and at least get their contact information. Not all witnesses will wait around for the police to arrive, especially for minor accidents. Witnesses often provide unique perspectives on the seconds leading up to your crash, and your legal team will want to speak with them before they forget what they saw.
  • See your regular doctor. Even if you have minor injuries or you were treated at the hospital, go see your regular doctor as soon as possible after your accident. No one knows you better than your regular physician and they can compare your physical state before and after the crash. This can provide objective evidence of how your life has changed since the accident, what you are limited in doing, and how much further you have to go before you can get back to your regular life.
  • Do not admit fault. Do not apologize for the accident. This seemingly innocent statement could be used against you to try and reduce the amount of compensation you could receive. If you say sorry or outright admit fault, even partial fault, you may not be able to receive compensation for the accident and your injuries.
  • Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. Make sure that you speak with a lawyer and have a lawyer present when you give any statements to the insurance company.
  • Keep a personal injury journal. There is no better way to document your injuries and how they have changed your life than in your own words. Over time, you will not remember every hurdle you faced and the level of pain you endured. By recording your symptoms and progress every day, you ensure those details do not get lost. They can be helpful to prove your level of suffering and potentially increase the amount of compensation you receive.
  • Speak with a lawyer. Calling a lawyer is probably the last thing on your mind. But you have limited time to file a legal claim against the negligent driver, so you need to act fast. Your lawyer can shoulder the burden of collecting evidence and proving your case while you spend all your effort and energy on your health and wellbeing.

 The Montgomery County Car Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C., Help You Recover

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you need experienced legal guidance and advocacy on your side. Speak with the skilled Montgomery County car accident lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. today. Call us at 267-861-7100 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with us. With offices in Philadelphia, we proudly serve Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.

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