The Dangers of Left-Lane Driving

Driving too slowly in the left lane is often just as dangerous as driving too fast. That’s why Florida law generally requires slower drivers to keep to the right and designates the left lane for passing purposes only.

There are many problems associated with left-lane driving. According to Expedia’s 2016 road rage report, hogging the left lane ranks in the top five of the most annoying driving behaviors. And unfortunately, road rage often leads to aggressive driving and causes accidents.

Other problems with driving too slowly in the left lane include:

• Other motorists might be forced to stop or slow suddenly, resulting in rear-end collisions.
• Frustrated drivers may try to pass the slower motorist and end up causing an accident.
• Traffic backs up quickly when faster motorists are unable to pass slower drivers.

Any kind of aggressive driving or other dangerous driving behavior (like going too slowly or illegally camping out in the left lane) is evidence of negligence.

Why Do Some Motorists Drive Slowly?

There are many legitimate reasons to drive under the posted speed limit. Maybe you’re traveling in torrential downpours or there’s an accident or construction up ahead. It’s not usually a problem if everyone is driving slowly. But accidents happen when one motorist is traveling much slower than other drivers on the road. Here are a few reasons some drivers operate more slowly, according to esurance:

• The driver is distracted. Talking on the phone, texting, and other distractions can slow drivers down.
• The driver is a teenager. Some new drivers are reckless, but many others are more cautious and uncertain. Non-confident drivers often go more slowly.
• The driver is a senior. Like teenagers, senior drivers may also feel less confident behind the wheel, especially if their vision is worsening or their reaction times have slowed down.
• The driver is looking at the scenery. Tourists taking in pretty scenery might slow down, either intentionally or accidentally. Similarly, drivers who are lost or staring at an accident often slow down to take in their surroundings.

Contact an experienced attorney if you are injured in an accident caused by any of these behaviors and your insurance doesn’t cover all of the damage. You might be entitled to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida

The first thing you should do after being injured in a car accident is to seek medical attention. Then talk to your insurance company. Finally, if necessary, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida is four years from the date of the accident, but the sooner you file the better.

Keep in mind that Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, and personal injury defendants pay damages that are proportionate to their percentage of fault.

Contact Us Today

Contact an Orlando automobile accident lawyer at The Pendas Law Firm today for a free consultation if were injured because of a slow-moving driver in the left lane. We will examine the facts of your case and help recover the compensation that you deserve, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach and Bradenton areas.

Resources:

esurance.com/info/car/the-dangers-of-driving-too-slowly

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.081.html

viewfinder.expedia.com/features/expedia-road-rage-report-2016/