Common Examples of Negligence in Nighttime Car Accidents

 Posted on January 28, 2021 in Car Accident

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), more than 25 percent of all car accidents in the state over the past 15 years have occurred during dawn, dusk, or the dark hours of the night. Nighttime driving comes with a variety of additional hazards when compared to driving during the day, and many of these are related to the negligent or reckless actions of drivers that threaten the safety of others on the road. If you have been injured in a nighttime vehicle crash, look for evidence of negligence that can justify your case for compensation.

What Causes Car Crashes at Night?

Some contributing factors in nighttime accidents are related to the environment, while others are related to driver behaviors that tend to be more common in the late-night hours. Examples include:

• Visibility issues - The darkness of night means that drivers do not have the full use of their sensory abilities, and it is important that they adapt their behavior accordingly. Drivers who fail to equip their vehicles with proper lighting or who outspeed their visibility can put others at risk.

• Periods of heavy traffic - During the summer months in Colorado, rush hour typically falls during daylight hours, but in winter, shorter days and the effects of Daylight Saving Time mean that more people are driving to and from work in the dark. With more cars on the road during this time of reduced visibility, drivers who are not careful or alert may be more likely to cause a crash. 

• Driver fatigue - Drowsy driving tends to affect more drivers at night, resulting in the difficulty of maintaining focus, lower awareness of surroundings, and the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel and drifting into the path of another vehicle.

• Drunk driving - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that alcohol is over three times more likely to be a factor in fatal crashes at night than during the day. Under typical circumstances, weekend nights are especially dangerous, as many drivers irresponsibly take to the road after spending a night at the bar or another social event.

All motorists should be aware of the risks of driving at night and take precautions to avoid harm, but it is also important to know that if you are injured at night in a crash with another driver, you are often entitled to compensation for resulting economic and non-economic damages. Notifying law enforcement immediately can help you stay safe and create a report of the accident that can be used as evidence in your case, and hiring an attorney as soon as possible helps you prepare for a settlement conference or trial to work toward a fair resolution.

Contact a Larimer County Car Accident Lawyer

At Hoggatt Injury Law, we provide experienced legal guidance and representation for those who have been injured in a car crash or motor vehicle collision due to someone else’s negligence. We have helped clients involved in all manner of accidents, and we are prepared to take your case. Call our diligent Fort Collins personal injury attorneys today at 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/assets/crash-data/crashes-by-lighting-conditions

https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/night-driving

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812864