A lot of potential hazards may pop into your mind while driving. Vehicles running red lights and stop signs or not looking both ways before pulling out of their driveways.
Any of these can result in an accident, but what about driving in a specific lane? Did you know that more accidents occur in the right lane than in the left? Yes, the right lane can be a dangerous place for drivers, but there are things you can do to help you stay safe.
Even though more accidents happen in the right lane, this doesn’t mean you should only drive in the left lane. In fact, left-lane accidents tend to be more severe than those in the left lane, and this is typically due to the higher rate of speed vehicles traveling in the left lane.
Don’t forget that the left lane is designed for passing, which means cars are going faster so they can pass slower-moving vehicles. While the left lane is also known as the passing lane, the right side is often referred to as the slow lane.
So, why do more accidents occur in the slower lane? The answer is a little complex. There isn’t a single reason for the frequency of accidents. Some accidents are caused by one vehicle merging into another. Cars in the left lane often want to merge over to allow other, faster-moving vehicles, though. This often causes a side-impact accident.
When a vehicle is struck on the side, it’s not uncommon for the driver to lose control. The car can end up in oncoming traffic, resulting in a multi-car collision.
The right lane is also where vehicles exit. Most exit ramps are on the right side. Drivers are often paying attention to their upcoming exits and not to the traffic around them. If the front vehicle brakes suddenly, a rear-end collision often occurs.
Whether it’s a rear-end, side-impact, or other type of accident, there are a few steps you should take. These steps can not only help minimize any additional risks but may also help protect your legal rights.
If you’re injured or experience property damage from a vehicle accident, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation.
Before hopping out of your vehicle, do a quick check for any injuries, which also applies to any passengers. Make sure they’re okay. If possible, check on the condition of the other involved driver/s. This way, you know if the 911 operator should send medical care or only the authorities.
Yes, you will need to report the accident to the authorities; you really don’t have any sort of choice. Pennsylvania law requires all traffic accidents with property damage or injuries to be reported. The only exception is if there’s no visible damage to any involved vehicle and both drivers agree to go their separate ways. You should still get the other driver’s insurance and contact information. You never know when it may come in handy.
The other driver may decide to file a claim against you, or you discover your vehicle has sustained significant damage. You also need their information to file an accident report, and this is something your insurance provider will want if you decide to file a claim. In other words, it’s better to be safe than regret not getting the info at a later date.
No, you’re not Sherlock Holmes or even Watson, and your job isn’t to determine the accident’s cause or even to assign blame—this is a job for the authorities. Instead, playing detective means collecting evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, and if possible, get a photo of the vehicles’ positions. Sometimes, knowing where a vehicle stops after an accident can help determine the cause.
If you or any passengers sustained injuries, take a few pictures. Also, get some shots of your vehicle damage. The more evidence you have, the easier it is to support your personal injury/property damage claim.
Don’t forget to talk to any witnesses—however, don’t take their statements; just get their contact information. The authorities will take their statements, and possibly your insurance adjuster and accident attorney.
Calling your insurance company to report an accident is rarely fun. Be prepared for a lot of questions, and be aware you may not be able to answer all of them. Don’t worry if you can’t answer all of their questions; you can come back to this later.
The main purpose of calling your insurance provider is to let them know that you’ll be filing an accident claim. Don’t accept any settlement offers, especially right after the accident. The amount may be tempting, but you’re still calculating your damages.
Once you accept a settlement from the insurance company, your accident case is considered closed. You can’t go back and file another claim, even if your bills keep piling up.
Look for an attorney specializing in auto accident cases. You want someone familiar with the civil court process. Unless you’re the at-fault driver and facing criminal charges, you don’t need a defense attorney.
An accident or personal injury attorney understands the legal process you’ll go through. Most are also skilled negotiators, and this will be helpful when it’s time to deal with the insurance companies. Most insurance companies will try to settle for the lowest possible amount, but your attorney should be able to increase your settlement amount.
Being involved in any type of car accident, regardless of which lane you’re in, can be a stressful and traumatic experience.
Before you agree to any settlement offer, consult with an accident attorney, as this is the best way of ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
