Driver Inattention
The number one allegation in an automobile accident lawsuit is that a driver was inattentive with contributed to or cause the wreck. Usually, driver inattention is coupled with a violation of a statutory duty such as failing to yield the right of way or running a stop sign. Sometimes, driver inattention can stem from texting, cell phone use, distractions in the car (such as tending to children or changing radio stations). Driver inattention as a cause of a wreck is also frequently coupled with following to closely, a car in front stops suddenly or changes lanes quickly to avoid a situation ahead and the inattentive driver is not able to react quickly enough, resulting in an accident. Recently, criminal charges have been filed in Texas against drivers who have been on their cell phones and cause an accident that resulted in serious injury to an innocent party.
As a rule of thumb, we have a one second delay in reaction from the time we perceive a danger which is called reaction time. While that number can vary somewhat do to our age, or other factors it is a generally recognized and accepted number. A vehicle traveling at the rate of 65 miles per hour travels 95 feet in one second or roughly 5 and ½ car lengths. As you can see, in many instances, another second or two earlier reaction and many dangerous situations could be avoided completely.
As a practical matter, in many automobile accident cases, such as running a stop sign the reaction time may be irrelevant because the accident will happen as a result of the disregarding a traffic sign or signal. But in many car and truck accidents, particularly at highway speeds, driver reaction and perception are important parts of reconstruction of the accident to determine fault for the wreck.
Please feel free to contact a Houston Accident Attorney at (281) 587-1111 for a free no obligation consultation on an injury claim.
