New York residents are familiar with the dangers of distracted driving. This is a form of negligence that can cause serious accidents. Individuals who are interested in driving more safely and those who wonder if they have a case against a negligent driver may be interested in learning how negligence works in car accidents.
Distracted driving is not the only form of negligence that can lead to car accidents. Driving over the speed limit, not following a vehicle at a safe distance and not adhering to traffic laws, like stopping at a stop sign, can all be forms of negligence. Drivers are expected to be in full control of their vehicle at all times. Negligence could be to blame if a person caused an accident because they did not have both hands on the wheel, they were not in a position where they could control the vehicle or they inappropriately used the vehicle.
All drivers have the responsibility to maintain their vehicles in good condition. They should be proactive when it comes to maintaining their vehicles in order to keep other drivers and pedestrians safe while they are out on the road. A person could be considered a negligent driver if they allowed their brakes to remain in a degraded condition or did not perform other maintenance and caused an accident.
Drivers have the responsibility to exercise reasonable care. In order to prove negligence, there has to be evidence that a driver did not exercise the expected level of reasonable care that was required of them and they caused injury or loss.
A victim of motor vehicle accidents may wish to discuss their case with an attorney. The attorney could help determine who was at fault and if negligence played a role in the accident. They could help their client seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.