Dallas Improper Passing Lawyer
Drivers in Dallas must follow specific laws when passing other drivers and emergency vehicles. When a driver violates one of these laws, they increase the risk of a crash. If you were hurt because another driver did not heed local passing legislation, it’s time to seek help from a Dallas improper passing lawyer.
Our Dallas car accident law firm can help show the other driver’s negligence, build a strong injury claim, and fight for your right to compensation. You do not need to worry about any upfront or out-of-pocket costs because we don’t charge a fee unless we win. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys are here to help you.
Call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online and we’ll get you started with a FREE, no-risk consultation as soon as possible.
Improper Passing Traffic Violations in Texas
There are five main ways a driver can perform an illegal pass (all found under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545). Here are the violations for each:
- Improper Passing On the Right Shoulder
- Improper Passing On the Left Shoulder
- Improper Passing On the Shoulder of Roadway
- Improper Passing Within Intersection
- Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle
Passing on the Right Improved Shoulder
A driver can only pass on a roadway’s right improved shoulder if the action is necessary, can be performed safely, and only to:
- Stop, park, or stand;
- Accelerate before entering a main lane of traffic;
- Slow down before turning right;
- Pass a vehicle that is stopped, slowing down, disabled, or about to turn left;
- Let a faster driver pass;
- Avoid an accident; or
- Follow the instructions of an official traffic-control device.
Passing on the Left Improved Shoulder
A driver can pass on a divided, limited-access, or controlled-access highway’s left improved shoulder if it’s safe and only to:
- Slow down or stop if their vehicle is disabled or cannot safely move to the right side of the road;
- Avoid an accident; or
- Follow the instructions of an official traffic-control device.
On-duty police officers, responding authorized emergency vehicles, and bicycles are exempt from this rule.
Drivers should also not pass another vehicle when going through an intersection. If a driver is approaching an authorized emergency vehicle with their signals on, the driver should yield the right-of-way, move as close as possible to the right side of the roadway, and stop until the vehicle passes. Drivers should never pass emergency vehicles in this situation.
“Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle” (Texas Transportation Code Section 545.157) is one of the most common reasons the police issue traffic tickets in Dallas. However, a driver can get a ticket or cause an accident for any of the above violations.
Other Examples of Improper Passing
Dallas drivers must also be careful to avoid:
- Not yielding the right-of-way
- Changing lanes without using their signal
- Failing to check blind spots before merging or changing lanes
- Passing another driver in a no-passing zone
If another driver performed any of the following actions that caused your accident, contact a Dallas improper passing lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim to pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering damages, and other losses.
To get a FREE consultation and get matched with the best attorney for your needs, call (469) 998-4069 or fill out one of our online contact forms today.
Improper Passing Causes Truck Accidents in Dallas
If a truck driver performs an improper pass on the road, they can cause a severe accident. Truckers must be very careful to check blind spots, signal when changing lanes, and only pass when it is safe to do so.
Unfortunately, small mistakes can often lead to serious truck accidents. Trucking companies have strict deadlines for pushing loads from one location to another. This puts a lot of strain on truck drivers, encouraging them to work long hours with insufficient rest.
Lack of rest and work stress can lead truckers to make small driving mistakes or drive aggressively out of frustration, causing crashes. If a truck driver caused your accident because of improper passing, talk to a lawyer about your legal options.
Common Improper Passing Accident Damages
When a driver fails to pass correctly, it can cause a lot of damage. Incorrect passing might lead to:
- Side-swipe accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Multiple-car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
No matter what type of accident injured you, you have rights. If you were not at fault for the accident, you should not have to pay for the costs. Texas law is on your side.
You can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for damages like the following.
Economic Damages
Specific dollar amounts can demonstrate the value of economic damages. You might have costs like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Property damage
You will need to prove these damages to support your insurance claim, so keep copies of everything you can. Your lawyer can also help you compile proof of your damages, such as assisting you in getting copies of your medical records.
It’s also best to finish your medical treatment before filing your claim. You’ll know your exact medical costs, including any future medical needs you will have for your injuries. You can include an exact dollar amount in your claim and reduce the risk of having to pay for future expenses out-of-pocket.
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages do not come with dollar values. These damages result from the physical and emotional pain and suffering your accident injuries caused. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
You will need help from a Dallas improper passing lawyer to calculate these damages correctly. The insurance company will look for ways to reduce the value of your claim, but your lawyer will fight for your rights.
Talk to a Dallas Improper Passing Lawyer for Free and at No Risk Today
If improper passing led to your accident, you do not have to face the legal side of things alone. Our Dallas car accident lawyers can help. We have assisted countless car and truck accident victims in getting the financial recovery they deserve.
Let’s discuss the details of your case and your legal options during a FREE, no-obligation consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win your claim, and the initial consultation is an excellent opportunity to ensure we’re a good fit. Call (469) 998-4069 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation today.
