Proving Negligence in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Respected Savannah Injury Lawyers Aggressively Representing the Interests of Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation from the at-fault party by pursuing a personal injury claim. However, one of the key factors in determining whether you’re eligible for damages is whether the other driver was negligent. Negligence is the cornerstone of most personal injury cases—including auto accidents—and the term refers to a person’s failure to act with reasonable care that causes harm to another person. At Suthers & Harper, our experienced Savannah motor vehicle accident attorneys have decades of experience successfully handling all types of motor vehicle accident cases and are here to help you in any way we can.

What Is Negligence?

Negligence occurs when someone fails to take reasonable care in a situation where their actions could harm others. In the context of auto accidents, this typically means a driver acted in a way that did not meet the standards of safe driving, and that behavior led to an accident. To hold someone liable for negligence, you must prove specific legal elements.

The Elements of Negligence

To successfully bring a claim for negligence after an auto accident, you must prove four key elements. 

Duty of Care: Every driver on the road has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe manner and follow traffic laws. This is known as the “duty of care” that drivers owe to others, including passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.

Breach of Duty: To prove negligence, you must show that the other driver breached their duty of care. This occurs when a driver acts in a careless, reckless, or unlawful manner, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.

Causation: In addition to proving a breach of duty, you must demonstrate that the other driver’s actions directly caused the accident and your injuries. This means there must be a clear connection between the negligent behavior and the harm you suffered.

Damages: Finally, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Proving these elements can be challenging without the help of an experienced Savannah motor vehicle accident lawyer, especially once insurance companies get involved.

Examples of Negligent Driving

Negligent driving can take many forms, and understanding the various ways drivers can be negligent is key to proving liability in an accident case. Below are some of the most common examples of negligent driving:

Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of auto accidents, distracted driving occurs when a driver is not fully focused on the road. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or any other activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a serious accident.

Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a form of negligent driving because it increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, reduces the driver’s reaction time, and increases the severity of crashes. Speeding drivers not only endanger themselves but also others on the road.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous forms of negligent driving. Drivers who are impaired have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicle, all of which can lead to accidents.

Reckless Driving: Reckless driving goes beyond mere carelessness and includes actions such as weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, or aggressively speeding. Reckless drivers pose a serious risk to others and are often held liable for accidents caused by their dangerous behavior.

Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way at intersections or during lane changes. This can result in T-bone collisions, side-swipes, and other dangerous accidents.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals or signs is another form of negligence that can lead to severe accidents, especially at busy intersections. Running a red light or stop sign can cause high-impact collisions, leading to serious injuries.

Contact an Experienced Savannah Auto Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, you don’t take the unnecessary risk of handling the claim on your own. At Suthers & Harper, our experienced team of Savannah motor vehicle accident lawyers is dedicated to helping accident victims pursue the compensation they need to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you hold the negligent driver accountable. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-320-2384 or connect with one of our attorneys by filling out our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.