Illegal Driving Maneuvers Accident Lawyer

Drivers are lawfully obligated to follow basic rules of the road whenever they are behind the wheel. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to uphold this duty. They may ignore road signs or disobey rules they learned when they got their license. When this happens, the risk of a collision increases significantly.

A driver who makes an illegal maneuver can be held legally responsible if those actions were the direct cause of a motor vehicle collision. Victims or loved ones of those killed in a crash caused by a driver who makes an impermissible maneuver will need to prove the other motorist broke the law. An experienced car accident lawyer at Steinger, Iscoe & Greene will help gather evidence to make your case for damages. Call us today if you or a loved one was hurt in a crash and you want to pursue a claim for compensation.

Common Missteps

Drivers have certain obligations on the roads, including following all road signs and adhering to state driving laws. Unfortunately, many motorists engage in illegal maneuvers that put everyone on the road in danger. Examples of illegal driving maneuvers that can lead to an accident include:

• Making a right or left turn from the wrong lane
• Going the wrong way down a one-way road
• Making a U-turn where prohibited
• Making a turn in an area where turns are prohibited
• Illegal overtaking/passing where it is not permitted

When motorists engage in these and other illegal maneuvers, they may cross into the path of unsuspecting pedestrians, motorcyclists, or other drivers who don’t have time to get out of the way. A serious or even deadly crash could be the outcome. One recent study in Australia found that illegal maneuvers were the cause of more crashes than speeding.

Avenues for Recourse

Victims can pursue a legal claim for damages. Those who survive a crash may make a personal injury claim, while those whose loved ones are killed can pursue a wrongful death claim. In both personal injury and wrongful death cases, a plaintiff must prove negligence to be able to recover compensation.

If a driver breaks a driving law designed to ensure safety, the illegal action creates the presumption of negligence. Essentially, this means that the driver is considered, by definition, to have behaved in a negligent way. The victims don’t have to specifically prove that the driver was more careless than other reasonable people would have been, since it is clear that a reasonable driver doesn’t make an illegal maneuver. The presumption of negligence makes it easier to prove your accident claim, but you still need to put together the best case you can.

We Are Eager to Help You

Steinger, Iscoe & Greene can help you obtain police reports and information about any citations the other driver received. Our attorneys can also help you gather other evidence necessary to prove a case for compensation. Call now to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.