Rubbernecking in driving occurs when you’re driving past a car accident and slow down to glance at what happened. While it’s normal to be curious about a roadside incident, this curiosity can easily become a distraction that puts others in danger.
In fact, rubbernecking is one of the most common and dangerous forms of distracted driving. If you were hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you’re probably dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
At a time like this, you need a skilled Kansas City car accident lawyer to help you file a compensation claim. Let’s take a closer look at what rubbernecking in driving is and how a lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Understanding What Rubbernecking Is in Driving
Rubbernecking occurs when a driver slows down or turns their head to look at a crash, traffic stop, or emergency on the side of the road. While this behavior may seem harmless, it actually causes the driver to take their eyes off the road.
This distracted driving behavior can lead to rear-end collisions, pedestrian accidents, and many other dangerous incidents. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by distracted driving, you might be asking yourself, “What is rubbernecking in driving?” If you have questions, you can bring them to a skilled attorney.
A lawyer will provide a free consultation to address any questions you have, review the details of your accident, and advise you on your best course of legal action.
Why Is Rubbernecking So Dangerous?
Rubbernecking in driving is dangerous for several reasons. Stopping to look at something on the side of the road and letting your focus drift from the task at hand can create many hazards that make the road unsafe for everyone.
Here are some of the primary reasons why rubbernecking is so dangerous:
- Sudden braking: Drivers who rubberneck often hit the brakes unexpectedly, which can cause rear-end collisions.
- Lane drifting: When a driver stares at an incident on the side of the road, they may unintentionally drift out of their lane and sideswipe another vehicle.
- Reduced awareness: Focusing on something off the road reduces a driver’s ability to respond to changes in traffic patterns, emergency vehicles, and other dangers on the road, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
These are just a few of the reasons why rubbernecking while driving is dangerous. In some cases, rubbernecking can lead to secondary crashes, injuring unsuspecting drivers and damaging property.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Common Injuries Caused by Rubbernecking Accidents
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rubbernecking accident, you’re probably dealing with pain and costly medical bills. You’ll need an attorney who has experience helping individuals get the money they need to treat and recuperate from the following common rubbernecking accident injuries:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
An attorney can file a strong claim on your behalf and demand the compensation you need to manage your injuries. Reach out to a lawyer today to learn more about what rubbernecking is in driving and get the support you need to get back on your feet after a distracted driving collision.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Rubbernecking Crash
After sustaining injuries in a distracted driving accident, you’re probably in pain, facing serious financial setbacks, and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that a skilled distracted driving accident lawyer can take on your case, provide the legal support you need to have peace of mind, and fight for your much-deserved compensation.
Here’s what an experienced attorney will do to get the damages you need to cover your losses and support your recovery:
- Investigate your rubbernecking accident.
- Gather police reports, witness statements, footage of the incident, medical records, and other important pieces of evidence.
- Build a strong claim and file it with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Negotiate with insurers to get a settlement that meets your needs.
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair payment.
- Provide clear legal advice throughout the entire process.
- Explain what rubbernecking is in driving.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Skilled Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a collision caused by a driver who was rubbernecking, you may be entitled to compensation. At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to holding distracted drivers accountable.
With over $1 billion recovered for accident victims and 45 years of combined experience, our team has what it takes to win your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced distracted driving lawyer. We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident and injuries, explain the steps we’ll take to get your compensation, and answer any questions you have about what rubbernecking is in driving.
