A crowded highway can be dangerous. Traffic congestion can easily lead to car accidents, and sometimes the injuries from these accidents can end up being quite serious. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident during a traffic jam, you should not have to pay those medical bills yourself. A San Mateo County, California car accident lawyer can help you hold any irresponsible drivers accountable for the harm that they have caused you.
What is Dangerous About Traffic Congestion?
The problem with traffic congestion is that it can encourage some bad behaviors in other drivers. As people sit in traffic, they could stop paying as much attention to the road or they could look for ways out of their current predicament that are not necessarily safe.
Some people moving through a traffic jam can get distracted and start focusing on other things, like their smartphones. This can lead to an accident. Other people might decide to get around the traffic somehow, making risky moves like riding up the shoulder or switching into the oncoming traffic lane. Behaviors like these can easily lead to accidents, so do not emulate them! Instead, stay calm and try to find a good place to get off the highway for a bit.
Can I Still Get Injured in a Low-Speed Accident?
Because you are stuck in close proximity to other cars, many accidents in traffic congestion occur at lower speeds. Sometimes this just means a small bump to your fender, but in other situations, a low-speed collision can actually cause significant damage. Whiplash, for example, is a common neck and head injury that can occur even if cars are traveling slowly at the time of impact.
Can I Sue for Compensation After Traffic Congestion Causes an Accident?
Yes, you can definitely sue for damages after an accident like this. Even if you were hit at low speeds in traffic congestion conditions, you could still have injuries. These can result in hefty medical bills and missed work. If the injuries are serious enough, they might even affect your ability to work or take part in activities that you once enjoyed.
An attorney from our firm can help you field compensation offers and settle on a fair amount. You do not want to take the first offer an insurance company sends you. This is often an attempt to get out of this situation for as little money as possible. Talk to one of our lawyers and take the time to properly evaluate how much compensation would be a fair and reasonable offer.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are ready to learn more about your legal options, contact the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao and schedule a consultation. Our legal team can evaluate your case and tell you more about your legal options.
