When a motor vehicle driver departs his or her lane in an unsafe or illegal manner, it can result in a collision with other vehicles or fixed objects. According to the Nevada Crash Data Dashboard, lane departure accidents caused 639 deaths in the state from 2017 to 2021. Unsafe lane departures are one of the deadliest mistakes a driver can make.
Lane Departure Accidents Can Cause Head-On Collisions
One substantial risk associated with lane departures is a head-on collision. If a driver veers out of his or her lane and crosses over the centerline of the road, he or she can enter a lane of opposite-moving traffic. This could result in the vehicle striking an oncoming car head-first, potentially causing catastrophic injuries or deaths.
A head-on collision occurs when the fronts of two vehicles crash into each other. These accidents are extremely dangerous because they occur at the combined speeds of both vehicles. This increases crash severity by enhancing the amount of force exerted upon both cars and their occupants.
Other dangerous types of automobile accidents that can be caused by a driver carelessly or recklessly departing the correct lane include sideswipe accidents, no-contact crashes from other vehicles swerving to avoid getting hit by the rogue driver, a driver running off the roadway and fixed-object collisions.
Common Causes of Lane Departure Accidents
Lane departure accidents can occur due to driver negligence, or the failure of a motor vehicle driver to obey traffic laws, pay attention to the road and operate their vehicles in a reasonably prudent manner. They can also be caused by dangerous road conditions, such as reduced traction due to loose asphalt or wet roads.
Common causes of lane departure collisions in Nevada include:
- Driver fatigue or falling asleep behind the wheel
- Driver distraction, inattention, or texting and driving
- Young and inexperienced drivers
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Making unsafe lane changes, such as failing to check blind spots
- Speeding, especially around curves or in bad weather
- Reckless driving behaviors, such as unsafe passing
- Health conditions and medical emergencies
- Vehicle mechanical failures, such as brake failure
Lane departure accidents can also be caused by factors outside of driver error, such as the city or state government failing to take sufficient prevention measures. Implementing rumble strips or reflective pavement markings, for example, can help keep a driver in the correct lane and able to safely navigate traffic patterns.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Lane Departure Accident
If you get injured or a loved one loses his or her life in a lane departure accident, help is available from a Las Vegas car accident attorney. Hiring the right lawyer to represent you during a claim or lawsuit can make a major difference to the outcome of your case as well as your overall legal experience.
You can trust an attorney to investigate the lane departure accident, determine who is at fault, collect evidence of liability, and go up against one or more insurance companies to fight for justice on your behalf. You can focus on healing from your accident and moving forward while your lawyer seeks fair compensation for your past and future losses.
To request a free consultation about a recent lane departure accident in Las Vegas, contact Koch & Brim, LLP.