Road Departure Car Accident
Road departure – or lane departure – accidents happen when a car crosses into another lane or leaves the roadway altogether. Road departure accidents, especially those that occur at high speeds, can have serious consequences. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 51 percent of all traffic fatalities from 2016 to 2018 resulted from roadway departures (approximately 19,158 people).
If you have been injured in a road departure car accident, call William Mattar P.C. Our attorneys have the knowledge and the experience to take on your accident case and help you get maximum compensation. Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call – just dial (844) 444-4444.
What is a Road Departure Accident?
The FHWA defines a road or lane departure crash as one that occurs “after a vehicle crosses an edge line or a centerline, or otherwise leaves the traveled way.” These types of crashes may involve a vehicle leaving its lane of travel or a vehicle running off the road (such as into an embankment or median).
A road departure accident can also lead to a head-on collision if one motorist departs their lane of travel and collides with another vehicle in the oncoming lane. In other cases, where a motorist exits the roadway, the vehicle may careen off the road and collide with an object or obstacle, such as a guardrail, fence, tree, wall, curb, or parked vehicle.
Causes of Road Departure Accidents
Many road departure accidents occur because of driver error. Vehicles can drift out of a lane or off the roadway due to inattentive driving, such as texting, talking on the cell phone, or other distractions. But, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), lane-drift accidents can occur due to incapacitation. This includes drivers who are asleep, suffering a medical emergency, or blacked out because of drug or alcohol use.
Road and lane departure crashes can also happen due to circumstances out of a driver’s control, including a defective auto part or mechanical issue. A tire blowout, steering malfunction, or brake system failure can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Additionally, road hazards such as slick pavement, potholes, debris, or another object can cause a road departure accident
According to the IIHS, crash avoidance technology is one potential solution for preventing lane-drift accidents that result from incapacitation. Some crash avoidance technology can help drivers stay in the lane by sensing the vehicle’s position and alerting the driver if the vehicle begins to drift across lane markings. Many new vehicle models have some kind of driver assistance system.
Compensation for a Road Departure Accident
Road departure accidents can result in devastating injuries to those involved, including traumatic brain injuries, severely broken bones, neck and back injuries, internal organ damage, and lacerations. These injuries can leave an injury victim with long-term or permanent disabilities, as well as emotional and physical pain.
An accident attorney can help you recover compensation after suffering a serious injury. This may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. An attorney can also help with every other aspect of your case, including taking on the legal details such as working with insurance companies and submitting documentation.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney at William Mattar
If you have been injured in a road departure accident caused by another driver, contact William Mattar today. Our car accident attorneys are experienced in representing accident victims to help them obtain maximum compensation. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling our offices at (844) 444-4444 or completing our online consultation form.
