What Role Do Traffic Laws Play in Lancaster Car Accident Attorney Claims?
Car accidents can be life-altering events, leading to serious injuries, significant medical expenses, and emotional distress. When you’re involved in a car accident, one of the key elements of any claim is proving who was at fault. While factors like driver negligence, road conditions, and weather all play a role in determining fault, traffic laws are often the most significant factor in establishing liability.
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, traffic laws are not just a set of rules for driving—they are also a critical tool for your car accident attorney to use when pursuing your claim. Understanding how these laws apply to your accident can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. This blog will explore how traffic laws impact Lancaster car accident claims and how an experienced Lancaster car accident attorney can use these laws to your advantage in proving negligence and fault.
Understanding Pennsylvania Traffic Laws
Before we dive into how traffic laws affect your claim, it’s important to understand the basics of traffic laws in Pennsylvania. These laws are designed to ensure safe and orderly travel on the roads. Some of the most important laws that affect car accident claims include:- Speed Limits: The maximum and minimum speed limits set on various types of roads in Lancaster and throughout Pennsylvania.
- Right-of-Way Rules: These determine who has the legal right to go first at intersections or when merging into traffic.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Pennsylvania has strict laws regarding alcohol and drug impairment. If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, this can be a significant factor in proving fault.
- Traffic Signals and Signs: Laws governing the obedience to traffic signals (e.g., red lights) and signs (e.g., stop signs).
- Reckless and Careless Driving: This includes behaviors like tailgating, swerving in and out of lanes, and distracted driving.
How Traffic Laws Influence Fault in a Lancaster Car Accident
In Lancaster, like the rest of Pennsylvania, fault in a car accident is typically determined by negligence. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle, which leads to an accident. Traffic laws are often used as benchmarks to determine if a driver’s actions were negligent. Here are a few ways traffic laws play a critical role in proving fault:1. Speeding Violations
One of the most common traffic law violations in car accidents is speeding. If a driver was traveling above the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions (even if they were within the posted speed limit), this could be considered negligence. In Lancaster, a car accident attorney can use speed data from police reports, witness testimony, or traffic cameras to show that speeding was a contributing factor in the crash. In some cases, speeding can also be linked to more severe injuries, as high-speed accidents tend to result in greater damage.2. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Traffic signals and stop signs are designed to control the flow of traffic and prevent accidents. If a driver runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign, they are clearly violating traffic laws and can be held liable for any resulting accidents. In this case, your Lancaster car accident lawyer can use traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to demonstrate that the other driver violated these laws and caused the accident.3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
DUI is a serious traffic violation that plays a pivotal role in many car accident claims. Pennsylvania has strict DUI laws, and if the driver involved in your accident was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it strengthens your case for negligence. Your attorney can obtain evidence such as DUI arrest records, field sobriety test results, or breathalyzer tests to prove the driver’s impairment, which could result in higher compensation for your injuries.4. Right-of-Way Violations
The right-of-way is one of the most fundamental aspects of safe driving. Drivers must yield to other vehicles in certain situations, such as at intersections or when entering traffic. A failure to yield the right-of-way can cause accidents that result in serious injuries. If the other driver violated the right-of-way laws, your Lancaster car accident attorney can use traffic laws to demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident.5. Reckless or Careless Driving
In addition to specific traffic violations, reckless driving—such as weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, or driving aggressively—can also lead to accidents. While not always explicitly written in traffic codes, reckless driving still violates the spirit of traffic laws, which are designed to promote safety and caution. Your attorney can argue that the driver’s reckless behavior was in violation of Pennsylvania’s rules regarding safe driving, supporting your case for negligence.How a Lancaster Car Accident Attorney Can Use Traffic Laws to Prove Fault
Once your Lancaster car accident attorney gathers all the relevant evidence, they will use the traffic laws as part of a strategy to prove fault. Here’s how your lawyer can help:- Investigating the Scene: Your attorney will work with investigators to gather key evidence from the accident scene, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. This evidence will be used to prove violations of traffic laws and establish the other party’s fault.
- Expert Witnesses: In more complex cases, such as when there are serious injuries or disputed liability, your lawyer may work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, who can explain how the traffic laws were violated and how that led to the crash.
- Insurance Negotiations: Traffic law violations can also influence insurance negotiations. If the other driver violated clear traffic laws, their insurance company may be more willing to settle, as they know their insured driver is at fault. Your lawyer will use this leverage to negotiate a fair settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigation: In cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can use the violations of traffic laws to present a compelling case in court. A judge or jury is more likely to find in your favor if it’s clear that the other driver violated traffic laws, leading to the crash.