For many reasons, including mechanical failures and unexpected medical situations, drivers stop at the side of the road. Many individuals are unaware of how hazardous the side of the road may be. Highway fatalities frequently involve drivers hitting pedestrians on the edge of the road. This collision can be dangerous when a deserted driver gets out of his vehicle and is hit by a car moving at highway speeds. Contacting Freeburg Law, LLC will increase your chances of getting out of an accident.

What might lead to an accident?

Whenever a driver experiences a situation requiring them to deviate off the road and into the shoulder, they risk being hit by another car. These collisions can also happen when a driver does not pull off the road far enough and blocks the nearest incoming lane. However, other drivers frequently cause accidents. The following elements could have a role in crashes on the shoulder of the road:

  • driving late at night and with little visibility
  • driving while preoccupied
  • sleepy driving
  • driving while intoxicated or high
  • rash driving, including changing lanes and speeding

How will negligence be determined?

Whenever another strikes an automobile, the driver who did not stop far enough from the side of the highway or did not utilize flares or emergency lights to alert other vehicles may be considered partly accountable. On the contrary, a careless driver who struck the stopped car may be held responsible if the deserted driver was not blocking the traffic lane and took precautions to warn other drivers.  Lawyers may look into the collision to establish who was at fault and who should be held accountable while pursuing all available reimbursement.

Things to follow if you are required to stop by the side of the road:

Avoid doing so as much as possible, especially after dark, and never stop. If you have no choice but to stop and pull over, do the following: 

  • If feasible, stop on the right side of the roadway instead of the left.
  • As far away from the road as you can, pull over. Verify that your car is not obstructing any of the driving lanes.
  • Deploy your hand brake, activate your emergency lights, and try to stay in your car as long as you can while wearing your seatbelt.
  • If you need to exit the car, do so on the side, away from the traffic flow.
  • Stay away from your car. Keep as far away from the roadway as you can.
  • When reentering traffic, proceed with additional care.