Distracted driving is a growing problem. It has the potential to lead to catastrophic injuries for the responsible party and everyone else on the road.
Distracted driving led to the death of 3,166 people in 2017. If you or someone you know sustained injuries from an auto accident due to a distracted driver, it is crucial to know how to protect your legal rights.
Types of distracted driving
There are generally three types of distracted driving.
- Visual distractions and drivers take their eyes off the road
- Manual distractions and drivers remove their hands from the steering wheel or
- Cognitive distractions and the driver’s mind is elsewhere
Causes of distracted driving
There are several ways a driver may become distracted on the road. Texting or talking on the phone are prevalent issues, especially with younger drivers. For example, in 2017, 42 percent of high school students admitted to texting or emailing while driving. However, these are not the only causes. Other common distractions include feeling tired, eating, talking to a passenger, checking GPS or managing children.
Results of distracted driving
Distracted driving slows peoples’ reaction time on the road, and the repercussions can be devastating. Drivers may not only cause injury to themselves, but also injure or kill others on the road. After an injury from an accident with a distracted driver, you may have injuries, medical bills, car repair bills and an insurance premium increase.
Evidence for your case
Evidence is vital to support your claim for compensation. A police report can provide details on the cause of the accident, a distracted driving ticket and any information from witnesses. Also, any medical records related to injuries you sustain are useful for your case.
As a general rule of thumb, if you were taken from the scene in an ambulance, you or a loved one should contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately.