If you do not require emergency medical transportation following a car accident, you always want to call the police to the scene and wait until they get there. This is especially important if the accident occurred because another driver violated a traffic law. In such situations, after hearing your story and reports from witnesses, the law enforcement officer will likely issue a citation to the driver for their traffic law violation. In situations in which a driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, police officers may even take them straight to jail. Having concrete evidence of some type of traffic law violation can significantly help your case if you decide to file a subsequent legal claim to recover for your injuries and losses.
Traffic Violations that Commonly Lead to Auto Accidents
Missouri Traffic Regulations1 set out literally hundreds of different offenses that a driver might commit. Some violations, however, lead to accidents on a regular basis. These include as follows:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failure to signal
- Failure to yield
- Improper passing
- Not having working lights
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Failure to stop at stop signs
- Failure to stay in a lane
- Driving the wrong way
How Does a Traffic Violation Benefit Your Case?
When a driver is guilty of a traffic violation, the violation can be used as evidence that the driver was “negligent per se,”2 or automatically negligent. This makes it significantly easier for you to win your case and hold the driver liable for this actions.
Contact an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
At The Bruning Law Firm in St. Louis, our experienced and skilled auto collision attorneys know how to use traffic violations and other types of evidence to help you prevail in your case whenever possible. We will always fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve and believe that negligent drivers should be held accountable for injuring others. Our consultations are free with no obligation, so please call our office today at 314-529-0756 for help.
References:
- http://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2011/titlexix/chapter304
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence_per_se
