Everyone’s done it at least once—driven slower than usual on the highway to peer at a wreck along the shoulder of the road. It is called rubbernecking, but the activity would seem innocent; it’s simply a frequent trigger for wrecks. The driving curiosity that creates an urge among motorists to observe roadside accidents results most often in rear-end collisions or fatalities.
If you’ve been injured in one of these situations, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with car accident lawyers at Nicolet Law to learn more about your rights and how to recover compensation. Before that, you should know what rubbernecking is and how rubbernecking leads to different types of car accidents.
What Is Rubbernecking and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Rubbernecking is slowing down or craning your head to glance at something—often an accident or emergency situation—while driving. Sadly, that’s all it takes to result in another accident.
According to traffic safety statistics, distracted driving ranks as one of the leading causes of crashes. Rubbernecking is a type of visual distraction, and the impact is no different from texting or using your phone while driving: it slows your reaction time.
Typical Accidents That Result from Rubbernecking
Rear-End Collisions
When one vehicle brakes sharply to look at an accident, the following vehicles may not react in time and thus cause a chain-reaction crash.
Sideswipes or Lane Departure
A distracted driver may veer into another lane while glancing sideways at an accident site.
Sudden Braking and Traffic Jams
When one vehicle brakes, it might cause a delay that increases the likelihood of collisions and outbursts of wrath.
Legal Liability and Difficulty in Proving Rubbernecking
The careless driver may face legal repercussions if rubbernecking causes an accident. But proving they were distracted is difficult. Witness testimony, dashcam recordings, or accident reconstruction might be required.
Your car accident lawyer will assist in looking into what caused the wreck and obtaining proof supporting your claim. That’s why it is prudent to consult with attorneys, as they’re trained in capturing and proving driver carelessness.
Avoiding Rubbernecking Collisions
Though you can’t rely on others on the road to drive properly, there are several things that can be done in order to be safe passing a crash site:
- Keep your vehicle under the speed limit.
- Give extra space to the car ahead.
- Don’t brake hard or swerve.
- Be aware that other drivers are not always watching where they are going.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Rubbernecking-Related Crash
- Get medical treatment, even for minor injuries.
- Inform the police authorities and give your official statement.
- Document the scene if you can. Take photos of the accident scene, damage, license plates, and traffic signs.
- Obtain contact details from any witnesses.
- Avoid criticizing others on the spot or online.
- Consult a lawyer to guide you through the correct procedure.
Final Thoughts
Rubbernecking can look harmless, but it results in actual harm every single day on highways and city streets everywhere. These accidents are infuriating because they’re so preventable—and yet they keep occurring.
If you have been hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, schedule an appointment with car accident attorneys to learn about your legal options. You don’t have to deal with the aftermath of someone else’s distraction on your own.