Are slow drivers dangerous?
When you think of reckless driving, you may imagine a driver who’s speeding, talking on their cell phone, and weaving in and out of lanes. But the truth of the matter is that driving too slowly is also dangerous and can cause car accidents and injuries.
According to a 2020 article on Allstate’s website, the dangers of driving too slow might be just as dangerous as speeding. When you drive below the speed limit, you’re putting others in danger by disrupting the flow of traffic.
According to the Texas Transportation Code, “An operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.”
Drivers could potentially be fined $1 to $200 as well as late fees if they don’t pay their ticket on time. They might have to attend traffic school and, if they have multiple offenses on their record, they may get their driver’s license suspended.
If you believe that a slow driver caused your car accident and resulting injuries, then call our experienced Houston car accident attorneys for help. Johnson Garcia LLP exclusively represents injured victims across Texas and will work hard to get you the compensation you may deserve from an accident involving a slow driver.
Why do people risk car accidents by driving too slowly?
People may drive slow for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- They could be distracted. They may be focusing on talking on the phone, texting, eating a sandwich, drinking a coffee, or putting on makeup and not paying attention to the posted speed limit.
- People also drive slower when they’re passing a stopped vehicle or accident to comply with Texas’ Move Over/Slow Down law. Drivers also may slow down when they see something interesting. For example, you may notice drivers slowing down if they see a certain tourist destination, or to stare at an accident, referred to as “rubbernecking”.
- Perhaps a driver is older in age and they need to take it slower because they can’t see as well as they used to. On the flipside, maybe they are young teen drivers but they’re new to the road and don’t want to go too fast out of fear.
No matter what the reason is, driving too slowly is unsafe behavior, and it can cause car accidents and serious injuries.
How to deal with slow drivers?
Often times, slow drivers do not realize they are going too slowly, especially if they are in the left lane.
The safest thing to do is to pass the slow driver at a reasonable speed. Although honking may work, it could cause unnecessary tension.
Steps to take when you get into an accident with a slow driver
When you get into a car accident on Texas roads, one of the things you need to do is collect evidence to support your case.
After safely pulling over to the side of the road, ask the slow driver for their contact and insurance information, including their name, phone number, insurance company provider, and policy number. Call the police to report the slow driving accident as well. You’ll need that police report record for your insurance claim.
At any point, if the slow driver offers you cash to not report the accident to the insurance company, do not accept it. Without involving the insurance company, you won’t be able to pursue a full settlement that will actually make a difference in your life.
Ask any witnesses nearby what they saw and take photographs of the scene, of your injuries, and of the damage to your car. Look around and see if there are any cameras that may have captured the accident with the slow driver. If you see cameras nearby, write down their location so you can attempt to collect the footage later on.
It’s best to head to the hospital as soon as possible and get X-rays to check for any invisible internal injuries. The longer you wait to go, the harder it’s going to be to make a successful claim against the slow driver.
This is because the insurance company may say that something else caused your injury after you got into the car accident. Additionally, you’ll need to follow the doctor’s treatment plan to show that you were doing everything in your power to get better.
If the slow driver’s insurance company calls you, it’s best to give them as little information as possible. While you can certainly confirm that the accident happened, as well as where, and when it happened, don’t talk about your injuries or reveal much beyond the basics.
Also, the slow driver’s insurance company will ask you if they can record your statement. You should decline this. They’ll do what they can to blame the accident on you so they won’t have to pay your settlement and injuries.
Our Houston car accident attorneys will handle the process, start to finish
With so much to do after a car accident, wouldn’t you rather focus on recovering your health and let someone else deal with the stress of insurance claims? Let our experienced Houston car accident attorneys handle the process for you, from start to finish.
Your car accident attorney will collect all the needed evidence, speak with the insurance company, and negotiate aggressively for a full settlement to cover your damages, including:
- Your medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If you don’t believe the insurance company’s first settlement offer is high enough, your Houston car accident lawyer can negotiate for maximum compensation.
Remember: You only pay if we can get you a settlement. You have nothing to lose so don’t wait. Contact Johnson Garcia LLP online today or give us a call to schedule your free consultation.
