The CDC officially defines distracted driving as performing any action that would take attention from driving. This has been connected to many different negative things, including much higher risks of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. Traffic safety is negatively infected whenever a driver is distracted.
With distracted driving we basically talk about 3 main distraction types:
- Visual distractions – like not watching the road while driving.
- Cognitive distractions – like not having your mind on driving.
- Manual distractions – like not having hands on the wheel while driving.
If any of these distractions appear, the driver is no longer able to focus on the road. They cannot react if danger appears, which puts both them and other people on the road in danger.
Some examples for which you would need the services of a distracted driving car accident lawyer are:
- A car is rear-ending another car.
- The driver swerves into oncoming traffic.
- A car does not stop at the red light.
- You do not give priority to the pedestrian who crosses the road.
Distracted Driving Laws
The big problem with distracted driving laws is that they vary from one state to the next. But, in all cases, there are some very strict penalties that are applied when breaking the law. The state’s distracted driving laws almost always include fines for first offenses and then growing finances for the other offenses. Licenses can be revoked whenever there are many traffic violations that apply.
In the event that an individual is injured due to the actions of someone else who was guilty of distracted driving, a personal injury claim can be filed. The same goes when damages appear because of the actions of the distracted driver.
Common Distracted Driving Types
There are countless different behaviors that can potentially remove your attention from where it should be, on the road. Practically, everything that removes your attention from the road is something that can be seen as distracted driving, with using your cellphone as being just the most common offender.
Very often met cases of distracted driving involve scrolling, texting, vlogging, checking emails, browsing the internet, and taking selfies. Also, besides smartphone use, other very common behaviors we can highlight include:
- Changing the car’s radio
- Interacting with people inside the car
- Drinking while you drive
- Eating while you drive
- Daydreaming
- Putting on some makeup
- Texting
Financial Compensation
Being a victim in an accident caused by a distracted driver can often raise questions about whether or not it is possible to seek compensation to cover losses and injuries. Compensation is available through the personal injury claim. If this does not work, you can file a lawsuit. The individual who was distracted is liable for what victims suffer.
As an example, if you suffered a very serious spinal cord injury, it is possible to receive compensation from at-fault drivers after going through civil personal injury claims processes. Some examples of the damages you can get money back from include:
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Mental distress
- Scarring
- Permanent injuries
- Earning capacity losses
- Physical therapy costs
- Mental health treatment costs
- Property damages
- Transportation expenses
Always look for experienced personal injury attorneys who can help you receive the highest possible financial compensation.
