Driving Too Slowly Can Lead to Dangerous Auto Accidents
Earlier this month, a Chevrolet Trailblazer was hit from behind by an 18-wheeler on I-35 North near Kohlenberg. The reason for the crash appears to be that the SUV was traveling at approximately 20 mph while the semi-truck was moving at 70 mph and did not notice the SUVs slow pace. The individuals involved in the crash were not seriously injured, but incidents like this often lead to personal injury claims. When drivers move too slowly on highways, they obstruct the flow of traffic and increase the risk of accidents.
Texas Law Regarding Minimum Speed
You know there is such a thing as driving too fast – but did you know it is possible for motorists to drive too slowly? Section 545.363 of the Texas Transportation Code lays out minimum speed regulations for the state. It says anyone operating a vehicle may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when doing so is necessary for safe operation in compliance with the law. In some situations, there will be a minimum speed limit posted. This is usually for highways where incidents like the one mentioned above are a possibility. No motorist is allowed to drive slower than the minimum posted limit except to obey the law in some other way or for safety reasons.
When You Are Hurt by a Slow Driver
A slow driver may try to argue that their actions were for safety reasons, but there is such a thing as going too slowly for a highway. Weather, poor pavement, and other issues may require a motorist to reduce speed. However, these hazards require all drivers to slow down and when the dangers are gone, all motorists can return to the speed limit. Most Texas highways have a speed limit of 70 to 80 mph. Any vehicle moving significantly slower than this can cause traffic to back up, make a significant number of cars go around one vehicle, and lead to rear-end collisions.
If you are hurt because a driver was moving at a pace significantly below the speed limit, you and your attorney will need to be able to prove that the motorist was impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and that the motorist did not need to go at that speed for safety reasons. By demonstrating these two elements, you can prove the slow driver’s actions were negligent. Because this negligence led to your injuries, you should have the right to recover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in any type of auto accident caused by another driver, call the passionate New Braunfels personal injury attorneys at the Bettersworth Law Firm as soon as possible. We can help you handle insurance claims and negotiating a beneficial settlement. If an insurance settlement is not possible, we can advise you on the likely success of a personal injury claim in court.
Source:
http://www.ksat.com/traffic/sb-i-35-closed-at-solms-rd-due-to-major-accident-involving-18-wheeler
