Understanding Distracted Driving Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main types of distracted driving:
- Visually taking your eyes off the road
- Manually removing your hands from the wheel
- Cognitively taking your mind off the road
Anything that causes you to become distracted and lose focus on driving can result in distracted driving accidents. It doesn’t matter if you’re responding to emails while driving or simply daydreaming at the wheel-they both may result in distracted driving that can lead to car accidents.
The reason texting is so dangerous while driving is because it combines all three of the CDC’s main types of distracted driving. The NHTSA also estimates that roughly 400,000 Americans were injured in distracted driving accidents back in 2018. It’s also been reported that 2.9% of drivers used cell phones while at the wheel back in 2017.
This means that we are all at risk of facing an accident caused by a distracted driver. In the event that you are a part of a motor vehicle accident, you can consult with an attorney when able to do so in order to build your potential case. For starters, you will have to prove that the driver was in fact distracted and that their negligence led to your injuries.
Proving Liability
If you’re injured in any type of car accident, you must prove liability and negligence. With distracted driving accident cases, lawyers may help victims prove that the driver’s distraction caused negligence.
With the help of a car accident attorney, you and your family may prove the other driver was distracted at the wheel and caused the accident if:
- Surveillance video captures the moment the accident happened while the driver was distracted
- The passenger or an eye-witness can attest to distraction
- The driver admits to law enforcement they were texting or distracted
- Text message records indicate distraction at the time of the accident
Your lawyer may conduct further investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Damages
If you were involved in a distracted driving car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover your damages. As with some car accident cases, victims can be covered for:
- Medical expenses
- Missed wages
- Funeral costs
- Diminished quality of life
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional suffering
Consult with a distracted driving lawyer in St. Louis to learn more about your case and to what types of damages you might be entitled.
Legal Aid After Distracted Driving Accidents
In order to prove liability and to earn financial compensation, you can choose to hire a distracted driving accident attorney for guidance. At Schultz & Myers, LLC, our team of personal injury lawyers handles car accidents, including distracted driving.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a distracted driver, or you suspect your accident was caused by texting, speak with an auto accident lawyer in St. Louis with Schultz & Myers, LLC, at 314-444-4444 to begin a free case evaluation.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving Accidents
The Federal Communications Commission suggests three ways in which you may help prevent distracted driving accidents:
- Instruct new drivers on the dangers of distracted driving
- Lead by example by never using a cell phone while driving
- Inform others on the importance of driving without distraction
You can also follow your state laws regarding cellphone use.
Make Your Case with Schultz & Myers, LLC
Missouri’s statute of limitation only allows you to take legal action within five years of the date of the accident. Do not let your chance for compensation from a negligent party slip away by letting the deadline pass. Once it does, you may not have the right to take legal action at all. In order to comply with the statute of limitations, call us as soon as possible after you receive medical attention and your injuries stabilize.
If you suspect your car accident was caused by an opposing distracted driver, call Schultz & Myers, LLC, at 314-444-4444 to get started building your case. When you call us, you may begin to understand your ability to receive financial compensation to cover your damages.
