What Is Negligent Driving and How Can It Lead to a Personal Injury Claim?

Negligent driving refers to a situation where a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle, which leads to an accident or injury. This failure to exercise reasonable care can take various forms, such as speeding, distracted driving, disobeying traffic signals, or driving under the influence. 

If a negligent driver causes you injuries in a crash, they should be responsible for your losses. Unfortunately, this requires action on your part by filing a personal injury claim. Speak with a car accident lawyer in Caldwell, Idaho, about a potential case today. 

Proving Negligent Driving

When negligent driving results in car accidents and harm to others, it can lead to a personal injury claim. Here’s how negligent driving can give rise to such claims:

1. Duty of care: All drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles in a manner that ensures the safety of others on the road. This duty includes following traffic laws, obeying speed limits, and avoiding reckless behavior.
2. Breach of duty: Negligent driving occurs when a driver breaches their duty of care. This can happen in various ways, such as texting while driving, running a red light, or driving aggressively.
3. Causation: The negligent conduct must directly cause the accident or injury. For example, if a driver runs a stop sign and collides with another vehicle, the act of running the stop sign directly caused the accident.
4. Damages: To pursue a personal injury claim, there must be actual damages, such as physical injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

These elements of negligence apply in most personal injury claims, not just car accidents. However, negligent driving is a leading cause of personal injuries and resulting legal action. 

Types of Negligent Driving

Negligent driving takes many forms, but the following are some of the most common:

• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances is a clear example of negligent driving.
• Distracted driving: This includes activities like texting, using a phone, eating, or engaging in any behavior that diverts attention from driving.
• Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions can be considered negligent driving.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving is against Idaho law and encompasses behaviors like aggressive driving, tailgating, and road rage.
• Failure to obey traffic laws: Disobeying traffic signals, stop signs, or failing to yield the right of way can constitute negligent driving.

Personal Injury Claims Due to Negligent Driving

If someone is injured due to another driver’s negligent conduct, they may file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for their damages. This can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to navigate the legal process and ensure you have a strong case. Our lawyers can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Our Boise Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

If you were injured by a reckless or inattentive driver, you only have two years to file your claim. Our experienced Boise personal injury attorneys are standing by, ready to fight for you. Reach out to Andrew Injury Law for assistance – message us today to get started.

Other Locations Our Personal Injury Lawyers Serve in Idaho:

• Caldwell Personal Injury Lawyer
• Boise Personal Injury Lawyer
• Meridian Personal Injury Lawyer