Auto Accidents Involving Vehicles on the Side of the Road

Accidents with vehicles stopped by the road side are a common occurrence. Anyone who pulls over to the side of the road in response to an emergency situation should turn on their hazard lights to indicate their presence. Not indicating the condition of your disabled vehicle to oncoming traffic can lead to a serious car accident if the other driver fails to notice your vehicle in time. Another common cause of such accidents is the failure of the driver of the disabled vehicle to pull over far enough on to the shoulder of the road. There are situations when a part of the car is too close to oncoming traffic and a collision becomes imminent.

Irrespective of the reason why the vehicle is stalled at the side of the road, the driver of the parked car sometimes contributes to the accident by leaving too little room between the car and oncoming traffic, or swinging the door open into traffic. Sometimes drivers simply step out of their stopped cars without looking out for the oncoming traffic and get hit.

DIU and distracted driving

A large number of such accidents are caused when the drivers passing the stranded vehicle are not attentive and crash into the vehicle or hit the driver or one of the passengers of the vehicle parked on the side of the road while they are waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Drunk drivers fail to notice that the vehicle on the shoulder is stalled and that they are approaching it too close or fast to avoid a crash.

There are situations when it is not possible to avoid an accident with a vehicle stalled at the side of the road. By driving safely and keeping an eye on the surroundings and traffic situations, many accidents can be avoided. Some simple safety measures such as not giving in to distractions or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can go a long way in helping you respond to emergency situations appropriately.

You should also change lanes as soon as possible when you see a vehicle stopped at the side of the road, lastly, if you have to pull over the vehicle to the side of the road make sure to take it as far as possible on to the shoulder of the road, and turn on the hazard lights.

If you were injured while waiting for help on the side of the road, you should immediately note the details of the car involved in the crash, and get in touch with a competent Missouri car accident attorney to start the claim process.

Call (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation with a St. Louis Accident Injury Attorney