How Do Delayed Reactions Cause More Serious Car Wrecks?

 Posted on September 26, 2024 in Car Accidents

Drivers must remain ready to react quickly to changing traffic conditions when behind the wheel of a vehicle. Failing to stay in a constant state of readiness is behind many otherwise avoidable collisions that injure or kill travelers. Have you ever wondered why?

Many negligent driving behaviors delay a driver’s reaction time, often not allowing him enough time and space to avoid causing a car accident. If a negligent driver injures you, you may qualify for compensation. Working with an experienced lawyer from Gruzmark Law, Ltd. can dramatically improve your chances of obtaining the maximum amount you deserve.

What Is Driving Reaction Time and Stopping Distance?

Suppose Jim is driving at 85 mph. He rounds a curve with standstill traffic 700 feet ahead. Jim’s reaction time includes multiple steps. He must:

• See the stopped vehicles
• Realize that they present a danger
• Decide how to react to that danger
• Move his muscles to take his foot off the gas pedal and depress the brake pedal
• Determine whether he should also make steering adjustments and then initiate them

Although these steps may only take a second or two, Jim is still going 85 mph, covering around 125 feet per second. Jim’s car begins to slow when he brakes but needs over 400 additional feet to stop in ideal conditions. If this process begins immediately, Jim will probably be able to stop his car before colliding with another vehicle. However, even a minuscule delay may cause a catastrophic high-speed wreck.

What Negligent Driving Behaviors Delay Reaction Times?

Drivers are legally obligated to follow safe driving best practices to avoid causing a wreck and harming others. When they do not uphold that duty, and the breach causes injury, you likely have grounds for a personal injury claim. Behaviors that often delay reaction times include:

• Speeding and driving too fast for conditions
• Distracted driving
• Driving while drunk or high
• Driver fatigue
• Reckless and aggressive driving
• Road rage

Some negligent drivers do not react to upcoming hazards, impacting other cars at high speed. The faster the speed, the higher the risk of causing severe injuries, such as brain and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, whiplash, organ damage, and seat belt or airbag injuries. Multiple-vehicle collisions often occur, with each additional impact capable of causing further injury.

Your skilled attorney from [[title] will investigate your accident to find evidence of the driver’s negligence. Then, we will do everything in our power to hold him accountable for your injuries and losses. You may receive damages for things like lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. The amount you could obtain depends on case-specific factors, such as your degree of fault, your actual accident-related expenses, and how severely your accident impacts your life.

Call Our Dedicated Northbrook, IL Car Accident Lawyers Today

When another driver’s negligence injures you, you should not be left to pay the costs alone. At Gruzmark Law, Ltd., we have 20+ years of experience successfully handling motor vehicle accident claims, giving our clients the personal attention they deserve. Call us at 847-729-7660 to discuss your case with our skilled Glenview, IL personal injury attorneys. Your consultation is free, so call now.