The Dangers of Crossing the Center Line - Car Crash Attorney St. Louis

Although most of us are aware that using today's modern devices while driving is dangerous and sometimes illegal, many still do. It is important to note that attention taken away from the road can have catastrophic consequences. Some of the most devastating vehicle accidents that occur are often a result of a driver crossing over the center line. This is often caused by distracted driving.

The impact of the collision is these types of accidents are often catastrophic. The impact of such accidents is usually much stronger since it is a combination of the speed of both vehicles involved in the crash. In this post, our St. Louis Automobile Accident Attorney will discuss crossover accidents in detail.

How is the State of Missouri Tackling the Issue?

In order to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities that result from cross over accidents, the state of Missouri has initiated some actions. Sometimes drivers are unable to see the center line due to bad weather or road conditions. In some cases, they fall asleep after driving for a long time. To tackle these issues, the Missouri Department of Transportation has made an effort to add rumble strips to the edges and center of the roads.

These rumble strips will alert the driver when they are too close to the edge of the road, as well as the center line of the road. As a result, the initial numbers are very satisfying. There has been a reduction in the total number of crossover centerline collisions by 60%, and what is more encouraging is that there has been a reduction in severe crossover centerline collisions by a staggering 84%.

Nevertheless, as much as the rumble strips have helped reducing the number of crossover accidents, there are still drivers out there who are negligent or drive under the influence and cause crossover centerline accidents.

Establishing Liability in Cross-Over Crashes

In almost all cases of cross over collisions, both drivers claim the other one was at fault and should be liable for the crash. There are usually no eye witnesses in such accidents, especially if it happens outside a city or at night. In most cases, the point of impact can be determined by examining the debris and the fluid leakages. Any visible damage to the road can also provide significant insight. Depending on the force of the impact, the strongest parts of the vehicles are more than capable of damaging the road surface.

If you find yourself in a cross over centerline crash, it is crucial that you take some photos of the site as soon as possible and show them to your lawyer. However, you may not be in a position to take photos, especially if you are seriously injured. In that case, you can request an eye witness (if present) to take pictures.

Find Yourself a Good Car Accident Lawyer Sooner Rather than Later

One of the most important steps to making a successful claim is hiring the services of a St. Louis Car Wreck Lawyer. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. we have an experienced legal team and would be happy to answer any questions related to your St. Louis automobile accident. Call us 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 to request a free consultation.