Car accidents are pretty common in the US. People breaching the duty of care they owe to other drivers is the most common reason for car accidents. One of the most common forms of negligence is distracted driving. Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto accidents.
From negotiating settlements to representing clients in court, Workers' Compensation Lawyers play a pivotal role in seeking justice for victims of distracted driving accidents, offering expertise and support every step of the way.
Distracted driving causes around 3,000 deaths every year in the US. Around 400,000 people sustain severe injuries due to distracted driving. It is a common behavior among teenagers and accounts for 9% of all car accidents involving teen drivers. Older teens tend to text a lot more while driving than young teens.
Filing a car accident lawsuit is the right decision to make following a car accident. Victims of car accidents have the right to file a lawsuit and claim compensation for the losses they incur as a result of the accident.
The Different Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has many forms. The following are the three main categories of distracted driving:
- Visual Distraction
- Manual Distraction
- Cognitive Distraction
Visual Distraction
Taking your eyes off the road is considered a visual distraction. To text someone, you must take your eyes off the road. Not seeing the road while driving at any speed can be dangerous. All it takes is a jaywalker to cause a serious accident. Of course, you are not going to get hurt in pedestrian accidents, but you might end up paying for their losses. Also, imagine a truck instead of a pedestrian. So, do not take your eyes off the road, even if it is an important message.
Manual Distraction
Manual distraction usually involves taking your hands off the steering wheel. Usually, to eat, people take their hands off the steering wheel. You should never take your hands off the steering wheel (while driving, of course). Both your hands should be on the steering wheel. You may not be able to steer away when an animal, pedestrian, or vehicle suddenly comes in front of you. Dogs and distracted driving are quite common. Also, when you are not holding the steering wheel, your car may swerve and get out of control, leading to accidents. Animals on the road are also a huge distraction
Cognitive Distraction
This is a type of distraction where both your eyes and hands are in the appropriate places, but your mind is not. Cognitive distraction happens due to fatigue. Thinking about something else while driving is pretty common. But it can be dangerous. This usually happens when you are on long trips and on long, straight roads. Cognitive distraction reduces your reaction speed. A quick reaction time is important for drivers. They must react to sudden traffic movements.
Hire a Lawyer
Most victims of distracted driving accidents are pedestrians. If you have been the victim of a distracted driving accident, hire a car accident lawyer immediately. The potential losses you may sustain are:
- Medical bills
- Property repair costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
The only way you can recover these losses is by filing a personal injury claim. You will need the help of a lawyer for that. You need to prove the elements of personal injury law, which are: duty of care, breach of duty of care, causation, and damages.
Proving these things is not easy, which is why you need a lawyer. A lawyer will have extensive experience on the subject. They can help you obtain fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
Distracted driving will result in accidents. Someday, if not today. Never take your eyes, hands, or mind off the road when you’re driving. If you have been a victim of an accident, hire a lawyer and claim compensation for your losses.
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