When a driver passes another motorist improperly, whether on a highway, busy city street, or winding country road, the action can be extremely dangerous, too often resulting in a serious accident. In almost all cases, improper passing is a reckless act in which one driver puts their needs or wishes above the safety of other drivers and passengers, not to mention pedestrians or bicyclists. If you have suffered harm due to another driver’s improper passing in the Philadelphia area, you need the services of the experienced car accident attorneys of Cooper Schall & Levy.
For decades, our attorneys have been protecting the rights of car accident victims. We have
the in-depth legal knowledge and the well-developed skills to bring them meaningful compensation for their losses. More than that, we have a long history of successful outcomes. Contact us now for a free evaluation of your case and be reassured that once you become our client, we will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we recover damages.
All Types of Improper Passing Are Hazardous
Although passing is a normal part of driving, and useful in facilitating traffic flow, reckless passing can, and too often does, result in catastrophic accidents. When thoughtless, negligent, or aggressive drivers engage in improper passing, they put themselves and everyone else on the road at risk. Types of improper passing include:
- Passing in a No-Passing zone is clearly illegal. The sign is there for a reason, usually indicating a curve in the road or a hill, either of which interferes with visibility. Even if there is no sign, it is illegal to pass when you have no clear view of the road ahead — for instance if your vision is obscured by a large vehicle.
- Passing at intersections, tunnels, bridges, or railroad or pedestrian crossings.
- Passing a stopped school bus that is picking up or discharging passengers (signified by flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm) puts the lives of children, whose movements are notoriously unpredictable, at terrible risk.
- Not leaving enough room to re-enter the lane, which can result in colliding with the car that was passed or the car ahead.
- Driving between lanes of traffic to pass.
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- Passing on the right is always problematic, whether it is done in the lane to the right or on the shoulder. Either way, the driver to the left is not expecting to be overtaken on the right and a collision can easily occur.
- Failing to signal the intent to pass catches other drivers off guard, drivers who may themselves intend to move into another lane.
- Passing by moving into the opposing lane may be allowed on two-lane roads, but only if necessary and safe, and only where there is no sign indicating No Passing. Such passing must always be done judiciously when there is safe room for passing and re-entry.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a driver engaging in any of the described illegal maneuvers, you have a right to sue for damages. The talented legal team of Cooper Schall & Levy will fight vigorously to recover maximum compensation for you and your family.
Improper Passes Lead to Many Different Kinds of Accidents
Improper passes can cause head-on collisions, sideswipes, or cause other vehicles to swerve off the road. If a passing driver miscalculates the space between cars, nearby drivers may be forced to take evasive action. In doing so, a driver may run off the road, strike trees or guardrails, or suffer a rollover accident.
Bad Driving Habits Exacerbate Improper Passing Accidents
As if improper passing weren’t dangerous enough, drivers who are reckless in passing too often have other bad driving habits, including:
- Speeding — Speeding makes everything worse since it gives the offending driver and those adjacent less time to react. In Pennsylvania, increasing one’s speed by 10 mph during passing is considered appropriate. Going faster is illegal and makes a collision more likely.
- Distracted driving — When a driver making an improper pass is also distracted by phone calls, texts, food, adjusting dials, etc., the probability of an accident increases exponentially.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Being impaired by alcohol or drugs affects reaction time, vision, and judgment, making an accident with catastrophic injuries all the more likely.
- Other Reckless Driving — Let’s face it, drivers who are reckless in one way are probably reckless in others. Improper passing accompanied by weaving or tailgating increases the chance of collision.
Injuries Resulting from Improper Passing Accidents Due to
Accidents from improper passing can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Fractures.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage and loss
Our attorneys are well aware of how devastating such injuries can be and how much they interfere with your job, your lifestyle, and your relationships.
Damages We Will Fight to Recover Include:
Every car accident is unique. Depending on your particular injuries, treatments, property losses, and residual disability, we will fight for:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income, present and future
- Long-term nursing care
- Property damage or loss
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability and/or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
How Our Strong Car Accident Attorney Can Make All the Difference
Our lawyers have the know-how and determination to make your cause our cause. We will handle your case efficiently and effectively, all the while remembering that you are recovering from a major trauma. You can be sure we will treat you with empathy, allowing you the time you need to heal while we:
- Investigate the site of your accident, surveillance videos, and forensic evidence
- Examine police records and medical reports
- Interview witnesses
- Investigate the defendant’s history of any similar negligence or misconduct
- Subpoena smartphone records if the defendant is accused of texting while driving
- Consult with experts in pertinent fields who will testify on your behalf
Above all, we will work tirelessly to negotiate a reasonable settlement. If opposing counsel and insurance adjusters do not make an appropriate offer, we are fully prepared to fight forcefully for maximum damages at trial.
Contact Our Improper Passing Accident Attorneys Today
No matter how independent you are, now is the time to reach out for help — legal as well as medical and psychological. Cooper Schall & Levy is here for you. Contact us now to receive the powerful legal representation and compassion you need and deserve.
