Distracted Driver Accident Lawyers

Driving cars is a common part of everyday life in America. There are over 200 million licensed drivers in the United States, and many of them drive every day. With car travel so commonplace, it can be easy to forget that cars are dangerous machines capable of causing extreme injury or even death. 

From cell phones to drive-thrus, there are more distractions on the road than ever before–which translates to more accidents. Distracted driving accident lawyers like the expert team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are here to help victims seek justice and the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation, call us at (800) 320-HELP or contact us online.

Statistics for Distracted Driving Accidents 

When drivers are distracted on the road, there’s a lot that can go wrong. According to the CDC, distracted drivers cause more than 3,000 fatalities and over 400,000 injuries every year. In Florida, distracted driving causes more than 56,000 accidents every year.

Types of Driving Distractions That Cause Accidents

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from the road. The modern street is full of potential distractions, which can be divided into three categories: manual distractions, visual distractions, and cognitive distractions.

Manual

A manual distraction is any activity that takes your hands off the wheel. Manual distractions can prevent you from responding quickly to changes in driving conditions, putting everyone on the road at risk. Manually distracting activities include:

• Eating
• Drinking
• Smoking
• Adjusting the mirrors
• Checking your phone
• Adjusting the radio
• Setting a destination in the navigation system

Visual

A visual distraction takes your eyes away from the road, making it harder for you to see danger coming. Visual distractions include:

• Other passengers
• Billboards
• GPS
• Cell phones
• Loose items in the vehicle

Cognitive 

A cognitive distraction takes your mind off the road and the activity of driving, which can be dangerous. Cognitive distractions include:

• Listening to music
• Talking to passengers
• Stress

How Does Distracted Driving Cause Accidents?

When your hands, eyes, and mind are otherwise occupied, it can seriously impair your driving. Your decision-making and reaction speed are both affected, increasing the likelihood of an accident in several ways.

• Drivers may not see pedestrians or road hazards until it’s too late to react safely.
• Impaired visual or cognitive focus may cause poor lane discipline, with drivers drifting in and out of lanes or misjudging gaps in traffic.
• Distracted drivers can take longer to brake or swerve, reducing reaction time in emergencies.
• Drivers may not see lights, road signs, or other traffic signals in time to follow them safely.

These are just some of the ways that distractions can lead to accidents, which can have serious consequences. Car crashes can cause broken bones, brain injuries, and other serious bodily harm, including death. The emotional and financial effects can be similarly severe.

Researchers are currently working on AI technology to prevent car accidents by alerting drivers when they appear distracted, but this tech is neither standard nor fool-proof. The bottom line is that driving is a potentially dangerous task that deserves the driver’s full attention at all times. 

Evidence Used to Prove a Driver Was Distracted

In the aftermath of a car accident, proving that a driver was distracted can be tricky. However, it is possible with the right evidence. A skilled distracted driving car accident lawyer can help you present a strong case.

Some of the best evidence includes:

• Police reports often contain officers’ observations of apparent driver distraction at the scene.
• Eyewitness accounts from passengers or other drivers can confirm that a driver was distracted at the time of the accident.
• Cell phone records can show that a driver was sending text messages, talking on the phone, or using the internet at a specific time.
• Video recordings like traffic cameras or dashcam footage can show a driver was distracted.
• Expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists can help reveal what happened during an accident.

Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit

Car accidents caused by distracted driving can be traumatic events with severe impacts on the victims. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you deserve compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages you suffer.

Victims of distracted driving accidents can receive compensation for damages such as:

• Medical expenses. Past and future costs of medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost wages. Wages lost as a result of missing work.
• Pain and suffering. Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured.
• Loss of life enjoyment. If your injuries have impacted your ability to participate in activities you used to enjoy, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
• Property damage. Costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
• Wrongful death. If you lost a loved one in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.

Contact WHG to Speak with an Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer 

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, the physical and emotional trauma can be intense. You deserve an ally to help you fight for your rights while you focus on recovery.

The experienced distracted driving accident lawyers at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are ready to do what it takes to seek justice. We will be by your side every step of the way, making sure you receive a fair settlement that gives you what you need to rebuild your life.

To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a free case evaluation, please contact us online or at (800) 320-HELP. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a distracted driving accident claim?

The statute of limitations for distracted driving accident claims varies from state to state. In Florida, for example, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.

Working with a distracted driving accident lawyer can help you make sure you pursue your case effectively, with an accurate claim filed within the deadline.

Can I receive compensation for my damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

If you were partially at fault for an accident, you can still receive compensation. Some states such as Florida have a comparative fault law that assigns responsibility by percentage of fault. If you are found to be 20% at fault, your damages may be reduced by 20%, and so on.

Is using a cell phone hands-free still a distraction?

Yes, using your cell phone is still a distraction even when it’s in hands-free mode. While both your hands may remain on the steering wheel, manual distractions are just one type of driving distraction.

Studies have shown that talking on the phone with a speaker or a Bluetooth device can still take your mind away from the road.

How can I reduce distractions while driving?

There are a number of things you can do to reduce distractions while driving, including:

• Turn off your phone or put it in a place where you can’t see or reach it.
• Ask your passengers not to talk to you while you’re driving.
• Adjust your mirrors, radio, and other settings before you start driving.
• Focus on the road and avoid looking at anything else.
• Take breaks every few hours to avoid getting tired.

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road and avoid causing any accidents.