Some motorists may find driving laws tedious to follow. However, just because they may seem tedious does not mean they’re unnecessary.
In order to safely share the road, we all need to obey the rules of the road.
These rules are unique to each state, including Delaware. When you’re driving in Delaware, it’s important to adhere to Delaware’s driving laws.
This will not only make an accident less likely; it will also reduce your chances of being liable if you do end up being in an accident.
Specific Rules in Delaware
As a motorist, you’re responsible for knowing all of Delaware’s driving laws, including these ones:
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Seatbelts: Every person in the front seat of a motor vehicle in Delaware has to be wearing a seatbelt. Passengers under the age of sixteen have to be wearing a seatbelt no matter where they are positioned, and children under the age of eight and/or 65 pounds or under have to be in some form of child passenger safety system or booster seat.
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Drunk driving: Driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 in Delaware means that you’re driving drunk and could be convicted for a DUI. That being said, you can be arrested for a DUI if your BAC is higher than 0.05. Since February 21, 2015, any person convicted of a DUI--even a first-time offender--has to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in his or her vehicle.
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Open container laws: In Delaware, drivers and passengers are allowed to possess open containers of alcohol, but drivers are not allowed to consume alcohol while driving.
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Distracted driving: “Distracted driving” is defined as anything that can take your hands off the wheel and mind or eyes off the road. This includes texting while driving. Since 2011, drivers in Delaware are not allowed to use cell phones or any type of hand-held device while driving. They are allowed to use hands-free technology to use their phones.
Distracted Driving in Delaware
Imagine you’re in a car accident where a driver slams into you because she was texting and driving. If you’re hurt as a result of that accident, you could be eligible to file a personal injury claim.
If you decide to do that, keep in mind that Delaware is an “at-fault” state. Basically, this means that the driver whose fault it was has to pay for any damage to you or your vehicle.
But in order to do this, you’ll have to prove that that the accident was the other driver’s fault. This is where a personal injury attorney comes in; a personal injury lawyer will be in a good position to help you file a successful claim.
Find an Attorney Who Can Help You
A driver that is breaking Delaware’s driving laws puts himself and other drivers at risk, and his actions may alter your life or another driver’s life forever by causing an injury from the accident.
If that’s the case, then try reaching out to a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to help you prove that the other driver was at fault and increase your chances of filing a successful claim.
Recovering from the aftermath of an accident is already hard enough, so make it easier by finding an attorney to help you make your case.
