Unfortunately, car accidents occur every single day all over the world. And while some accidents are hard to prevent, many could have been avoided if the at-fault driver practiced safe driving habits. These accidents can have a huge impact on a person’s life, possibly causing physical and mental harm, or even leading to death. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, or someone you love died as a result of their injury in an accident, then you may be eligible for compensation. While there are many possible situations that can cause accident-related injuries, today we’re going to discuss one of the top causes of accidents: distracted driving.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Distractions come in many forms, including, but not limited to:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting
- Eating or drinking
- Looking for directions
- Pets or passengers
- Changing the radio
- Fixing your hair or makeup
Such distractions can cause serious car accidents with short- and long-term consequences, as well as death. In our previous article, we discussed the economic and noneconomic damages that can occur from an accident, which include: medical expenses, property repairs, lost wages, legal expenses, funeral and burial expenses in the case of wrongful death, expenses resulting from disability, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, loss of quality of life, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and long-term disability, among others.
With such severe consequences, it’s important that you get the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one were involved in an accident. To understand the severity of this type of accident, let’s take a look at some important facts about distracted driving and what you can do about it.
Statistics About Distracted Driving
The following statistics were reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.
In the United States, over 3,100 people were killed and about 424,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019.
About 1 in 5 of the people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019 were not in vehicles―they were walking, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle.
Source: CDC
There are three main types of distractions while driving:
- Visual
Taking your eyes off the road. - Manual
Taking your hands off the wheel. - Cognitive
Taking your mind off driving.
The CDC also announced that some groups are more at risk of distracted driving than others, such as young adults and teen drivers. This is why it’s important to encourage your children and peers to practice safe driving habits.
Source: CDC
What to Do If You Were Injured by a Distracted Driver
When you get into an accident, there are certain steps you should take: check for injuries, move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, report the accident, document the scene, and hire a lawyer. The last step is among the most crucial; an experienced lawyer will support you throughout the entire process and help you get compensated for your injuries.
Your case will vary depending on the situation and severity of the injuries. If your loved one died as a result of their injuries, then you’ll need to make a wrongful death claim, where you may be able to recover compensation on behalf of the deceased person and on behalf of the family members that are suffering from their loss.
Alternatively, if you’re the one suffering from an injury, then your lawyer will help you gather evidence to prove the other driver was responsible. They will also investigate and help you get compensation for both physical and emotional damage. With proper legal guidance, everything will be done in a timely manner in order to meet deadlines; In Texas, you must file a claim within two years of the accident occurring, although there are some exceptions.
If you were hit by a distracted driver, give us a call at AMS Law Group. Our team of lawyers has experience with different types of vehicle accidents and personal injury claims. Our services are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic so that we can better serve you. Contact us for a free case review.