blog home Car Accidents How to Take Precautions Against a Wyoming Roadside Accident

How to Take Precautions Against a Wyoming Roadside Accident

By stladmin on February 1, 2022

Drivers pull off on the side of the road because of mechanical breakdowns, medical emergencies, and other reasons. Many people do not realize what a dangerous place the side of the road can be. A significant percentage of highway fatalities involve people on the shoulder of the road who are hit by vehicles. This type of crash can be particularly deadly when a stranded motorist who gets out his car is struck by a vehicle traveling at highway speeds.

What Can Lead to Roadside Accidents in Wyoming?

Roadside accidents can happen when a driver has an emergency that makes it necessary to pull off the highway onto the shoulder and gets struck by another vehicle. In some cases, these accidents occur when a driver fails to pull far enough off the road and obstructs the closest lane of oncoming traffic. In many cases, however, other drivers are at fault. Factors that may contribute to shoulder of the road crashes include:

• Nighttime driving and poor visibility
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Alcohol or drug impaired driving
• Aggressive driving – speeding and unsafe lane changes

How Is Negligence Determined in Roadside Accidents?

A driver who fails to pull over far enough off the side of the road or fails to use hazard lights or flares to warn other drivers, may be held partially responsible when the vehicle is hit by another driver. On the other hand, if the stranded driver was not blocking the lane of traffic and took steps to alert other motorists, a negligent driver who hit the parked vehicle may be liable. Our Gillette personal injury attorneys can investigate the crash to determine fault and liability and pursue all forms of compensation.

What Are the Obligations of Other Drivers?

Every driver has a duty of care to others on the roadways. Drivers have a particular duty to pedestrians under Wyoming Statutes Section 31-5-607. The law states, “. . . every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human powered vehicle . . .” A drunk, distracted, aggressive, or inattentive driver who hits a pedestrian who has been forced to pull over on the side of the road is violating that duty of care.

What Should You Do If You Are Stopped on the Side of the Road?

Do not pull over at all, if you can possibly avoid it, particularly after dark. If it cannot be avoided and you must pull over:

• Pull over on the right side of the road, rather than the left, if possible.
• Pull off the road as far as possible. Make sure your vehicle is not blocking any part of the travel lane.
• Set your emergency brake, turn your hazard lights on, and remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if you can.
• If you must get out of the vehicle, exit on the side away from traffic.
• Do not stand by your vehicle. Distance yourself from the road as much as possible.
• Use extra caution merging back into traffic. Allow enough distance from oncoming vehicles to get your car up from a complete stop to highway speeds.

How Can a Gillette Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Roadside Accident?

Our Gillette personal injury attorneys at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the compensation you deserve after a serious roadside accident caused by someone else’s negligence. We are very involved with our clients, always available, and down to earth. Call us at (307) 257-7800 to schedule a free case strategy session.