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What to Do If You’re Involved in a Roadway Departure Crash

On Behalf of | Feb 27, 2020 | Car Accidents

When another driver suddenly swerves into your lane, you may not have enough time to react. Roadway departures happen without warning and often result in serious crashes on high-speed roadways. More than half of all traffic fatalities across the United States from 2015-2017 were roadway departures, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Distracted driving, aggressive driving, tire blowouts, wheel detachments, and alcohol or drug impairment are the leading causes of roadway departure crashes.

When sideswiped by another vehicle, drivers are at risk of:

  • Head-on collisions after crossing the centerline
  • Collisions with fixed objects (guardrails, trees, poles, and buildings)
  • Rollovers
  • Crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists

What to Do If You’re Run Off the Road by Another Driver

Roadway departures can be catastrophic, and someone who is run off the road by another driver may be severely injured or killed. In the event you’re involved in a roadway departure crash, it’s important not to panic. Take a moment to access the situation, survey your surroundings, and check to ensure that all car occupants are OK. Call 911 immediately if you notice any serious injuries or if the driver who hit you took off. Always call the police, even if the crash was minor.

Exchange insurance information with the at-fault driver and avoid arguing or discussing who was at fault. It’s best to stay as neutral as possible, even if you know that the other driver engaged in outright negligent or reckless behavior.

If you’re able to get out of your car, be sure to take pictures of the crash scene, including:

  • Tire skid marks in the road
  • Damage to your vehicle
  • Damage to fixed roadside objects
  • All angles of the crash site

If any witnesses are present, take down their names and contact information and ask them what they saw. Their statements can help you when filing a car accident claim.

When You’re a Pedestrian or Bicyclist Hit in a Roadway Departure

Pedestrians and bicyclists can be struck in two-car or single-car roadway departures. It can happen while legally cycling on the side of the road, walking on a sidewalk, or standing at a bus stop. You could be struck by:

  • A reckless driver who exits the roadway
  • A driver who is sideswiped and run off the road
  • A driver who loses control of his or her car due to a mechanical defect or slippery road conditions

If you’re a pedestrian or bicyclist who was struck in a roadway departure, you can take legal action against:

  • The driver who struck you
  • The driver who caused a two-car roadway departure crash
  • An automaker or dealer whose mechanical defect caused you to be struck

When the at-Fault Driver Flees the Scene

South Dakota law requires drivers to stay at the scene of a crash. Failure to do so can result in a misdemeanor charge. If a hit-and-run crash involved someone’s injury or death, the at-fault driver can be charged with a felony.

Even if the driver fled the scene of the crash, you may still be able to collect damages. South Dakota law requires that all drivers carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This applies to both uninsured drivers and hit-and-run crashes and pays for medical expenses accrued from your crash.

Contact Our Experienced Sioux Falls Attorneys Today

The Sioux Falls car accident attorneys at Northern Plains Justice, LLP can help you pursue a legal claim. We have years of experience and a wealth of legal knowledge helping injured people maximize their compensation. Contact us online to find out how we can help you.

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