Lancaster Car Accident Lawyer

A motor vehicle collision can happen in an instant. One moment, a person may be driving through Lancaster on a routine errand or while commuting to or from work, and the next, they may be left reeling from a collision. Even though an accident may only take a moment, it can have long-lasting effects as a person deals with their injuries and financial losses. In most cases, car wrecks are caused by people's careless or reckless behavior. Injury victims will need to understand their legal options for holding negligent drivers accountable.

The attorney at Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. provides dedicated representation for people who have been injured in car accidents in Lancaster. With his knowledge of the laws that affect personal injury cases and his experience helping clients who have been injured, he can build compelling cases for financial compensation. He will handle communications with insurance companies, gather critical evidence, and advocate for the rights of victims, making sure they will be able to recover from their injuries.

The Foundation of Car Accident Claims: Driver Negligence

Most car accident cases involve driver negligence, which occurs when someone does not drive safely or take the proper steps to protect others from harm. When drivers cause accidents that result in injuries, they may be held responsible for the harm they have caused.

Driver negligence can take many forms. Distracted driving has become more and more common in recent years due to the widespread use of smartphones and other technologies. When drivers engage in activities that take their attention away from the road, including making calls, checking text messages or social media, eating and drinking, or grooming, they will be more likely to cause accidents.

Speeding is another common form of negligence. A driver who is traveling too fast may be unable to react when necessary and avoid a collision. They may be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid colliding with vehicles ahead of them. At unsafe speeds, drivers will be more likely to lose control and leave their lane, cross into oncoming traffic, or hit people or objects on the side of the road. These crashes often result in serious injuries due to the increased force of impact at higher speeds.

In addition to speeding, other aggressive driving behaviors can be hazardous for everyone on the road. These behaviors may include tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, running red lights or stop signs, and cutting other vehicles off or otherwise refusing to yield the right-of-way when required.

Impaired driving due to the use of alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, or other substances is an especially dangerous form of negligence. When driving while intoxicated, a person will experience multiple issues that could lead to a collision, including blurred vision, poor coordination, and slower reaction times.

Fatigued driving is another serious issue that can lead to impaired judgment, delayed reaction time, and decreased coordination. Drowsy driving is often just as dangerous as drunk driving. If a person falls asleep while behind the wheel, they will be more likely to crash into other vehicles or pedestrians.

Intersection Accidents in Lancaster

Intersections can be dangerous, since drivers will need to navigate traffic patterns as vehicles cross or turn in front of them, follow traffic signals, yield appropriately, and be aware of pedestrians and cyclists. Multiple types of collisions can occur at intersections.

T-bone accidents may occur when drivers run red lights, do not stop at stop signs, or misjudge gaps in traffic when turning. The side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear, and drivers or passengers may suffer serious harm when their vehicle is struck by a negligent driver.

Left-turn accidents may occur when drivers turn across oncoming traffic lanes and fail to yield to other vehicles. Rear-end collisions can happen at intersections when drivers follow too closely behind other vehicles, become distracted, or fail to notice that a traffic light has changed or that vehicles have slowed down to make turns.