Is it illegal to pass on the right in Virginia? While passing on the right in Virginia is not necessarily illegal, there are certain situations where it is. Even when it is legal, it may not always be advisable.
If another driver illegally or carelessly passed you on the right side of your vehicle and caused an accident, then a Charlottesville personal injury lawyer can help you determine how to move forward.
An Attorney Can Help You Navigate Accidents Caused by Illegal Passing
If you were injured by a vehicle passing on the right side, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses through compensation. Drivers who cause accidents due to their negligent actions can be held liable for their actions and may be required to provide restitution.
To determine that this was indeed the cause of your accident, it is important to hire a lawyer to represent you as you move forward with your claim.
By hiring a personal injury attorney, you have an ally on your side who can investigate the accident and collect the evidence you need to support your claim against the other driver. They understand the challenges that could arise during your case and are prepared to fight them with effective strategies. They also manage your case to ensure it moves forward efficiently, allowing it to be resolved swiftly.
Your lawyer will protect your rights as you pursue damages for the expenses and suffering you have experienced. They will aggressively negotiate until you achieve results that satisfy you. Even if insurance companies try to treat you unfairly, your lawyer will demand a fair settlement that will cover as much of your losses as possible.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Virginia Laws Regarding Passing on the Right
In general, passing another vehicle typically takes place on the left side. This gives motorists a much clearer view of the vehicle overtaking them.
Per Virginia law § 46.2-84.2, vehicles being passed should move to the right if possible and maintain their speed so that the other vehicle can pass safely. However, there are times when passing on the right side is allowed.
According to Virginia law §46.2-841, vehicles can pass on the right when they are on highways and open roadways with no obstructions. Vehicles may also pass on the right when moving into other lanes to make turns at intersections. The driver of the vehicle passing on the right must properly signal their intent to change lanes at all times.
Furthermore, vehicles are prohibited from crossing the center line or a bike lane in their efforts to pass another vehicle. Vehicles are also not allowed to use the shoulder to pass another vehicle unless they need to pull off for safety reasons or to avoid a law enforcement incident. These actions can pose unnecessary risks that may lead to harm or legal repercussions if not followed.
Keeping Blind Spots in Mind When Passing on the Right
When passing on the right, it is important to consider how your car’s blind spots may affect your ability to safely pass. These areas of limited sight can lead you to believe that the next lane is clear of vehicles when, in fact, it is not.
By understanding your car’s blind spots, you can make a better decision on how to maneuver through traffic when passing other vehicles. As MartinWren, P.C. attorney Bob Byrne explained in a YouTube video, being on the right side of a tractor trailer is especially dangerous.
Depending on the make and model of your car, you are likely to have four blind spots. These are typically the areas that support your windshield and back windows. Their thickness and angle can affect your line of sight to varying degrees. Other factors that can impact your visibility include headrests, passengers, and any cargo you are carrying.
Not only should you be aware of your vehicle’s blind spots, but it is also important to take extra precautions to avoid colliding with another vehicle. Do not just rely on your backup cameras or side mirrors. Look over your shoulder to check the lanes around you. Make sure that you have also secured any cargo that could obstruct your view.
Recovering Your Losses As a Victim of an Illegal Right Pass Accident
When another driver unnecessarily causes you harm, their negligent actions can have lasting impacts on your life. When another motorist passes on the right without showing proper care, they can end up sideswiping or rear-ending you, causing injury and damage.
At-fault drivers must provide damages for your losses. Some of the damages you could seek for personal injury cases such as this can include:
- Economic damages: Designed to provide for losses that have a monetary value attached to them. These are most commonly expenses related to your current and continuing medical care, lost wages from being unable to work due to your injuries, lost earning capacity, as well as the costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle.
- Non–economic damages: Designed to provide for losses borne out of the trauma you went through in the accident. These losses most commonly include your pain and suffering, emotional and mental distress, the inconvenience and reduced quality of life you are experiencing, inconvenience, and disfigurement and humiliation.
The value of your damages will primarily depend on your particular losses and how severe they are. It also makes a difference if you will need temporary or ongoing care. Your lawyer can walk through your losses with you, break down what you are eligible to recover, and calculate what your case is worth. They will fight to recover the full value of your losses so you are not left with a financial gap.
Contact MartinWren, P.C. About Your Case Today
MartinWren, P.C., is ready to assess your case and help you determine what your options are when another driver illegally passes you and causes an accident. We ensure that you do not suffer this injustice alone, and our team provides creative solutions to secure a favorable outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
