Distracted driving is a common type of negligence in many crashes, and 10 destructive behaviors that may cause a car accident include using the radio, using a GPS, texting, and speaking on the phone.
While some forms of distracted driving are more well-known than others, anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road for even a second could result in a collision.
Filing an injury claim is not always easy, but it is critical when you suffer injuries. A Charlotte car accident lawyer can help determine who was at fault and what types of evidence will be necessary to support your case.
10 Common Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving refers to any situation in which a driver takes their attention off the roadway or is not fully focused on the road. Instead, they are doing something else. The following are 10 destructive behaviors that could cause a car accident:
- Adjusting dials on the radio or climate control system
- Assisting another passenger, such as handing over an object or trying to adjust a buckle
- Spilling something and cleaning it up, such as food or liquids, especially something that is hot
- Retrieving an object on the floor or behind the seat
- Reading anything from a map to a book
- Grooming, such as shaving, applying makeup, and brushing hair
- Arguments with other passengers or on the phone
- Talking on a cell phone
- Using a device for texting, looking up a phone number, checking email, and inputting data into a GPS
- Interacting with a pet in the vehicle
Some drivers are guilty of engaging in more than one type of distractive behavior. These behaviors behind the wheel become even riskier in certain situations.
For instance, combining distractions with poor weather or road conditions may be even more dangerous. If you are traveling at a higher speed and are distracted, the impact of a crash could be more severe.
Distraction Is Not the Only Cause of Negligence
Distracted driving isn’t the only form of negligence. There are other types of driver negligence that can be just as dangerous on the road and may lead to someone being seriously injured in a car accident.
Speak with a Charlotte car accident lawyer and get a free consultation today.
Call (980) 294-4931What Happens When a Distracted Driver Strikes You
If you are in an accident with a driver you believe was distracted, gather as much information and proof of their actions as possible. That may include photos of the accident location and damage, as well as witness information.
After that, get medical care. Once you are safe, contact our distracted driving accident attorney. We will:
- Investigate your case: We gather all evidence to demonstrate what occurred. We speak to witnesses, gather data from dash cameras, search for cameras in the area, and use accident reconstruction to determine the cause of the accident.
- Build your case based on your losses: Victims of distracted driving often suffer serious injuries and other financial implications. Our objective is to fully understand your losses.
- Seek a fair claim: When the other party is at fault, expect us to negotiate fair compensation for your losses. We will always be your advocate throughout this legal process and fight for fair treatment.
As you focus on healing, know that our distracted driving attorney is ready to support your efforts to receive fair compensation. The key is proving fault. With our extensive knowledge and resources, you can expect us to be aggressive in promoting your case.
Serious Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
One of the reasons we encourage you to contact us after an accident is that these incidents cause serious injuries. Drivers who are often distracted do not slow down before striking you, and some may even accelerate, trying to avoid a crash at the last second. Some of the most common, serious injuries we see in these cases include the following:
- Head injuries, including those resulting in concussions and cognitive function declines
- Broken bones often with complex fractures or multiple broken bones
- Internal bleeding from the force of impact
- Spinal column injuries, including those that result in chronic pain, loss of mobility, or other debilitating conditions
- Burns from chemical exposure or fires
- Deep lacerations causing damage to nerves, muscle tissue, and other tissues
- Neck and shoulder injuries, such as whiplash or muscle tears
In each of these cases, victims need immediate medical care and could need ongoing support. It is imperative that you follow all of your doctor’s recommendations for care. As you do, put our distracted driving attorney to work on your case.
Determining What Your Case Is Worth
When you speak to our legal team, we will review every aspect of your case, including the strength of evidence to support it and the damages you have suffered. We build maximum claims, meaning we seek compensation for all of your losses. This may include:
- Medical costs for the incident, as well as any future medical expenses you have related to your injuries
- Income loss from the incident, such as missed time at work, and losses related to diminished capacity if you cannot go back to the same job
- Pain and suffering for all you went through as a result of this accident
- Emotional damage, including the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Property damage recovery for the repair or replacement of your vehicle
As the victim of a distracted driving accident, you have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance for your losses. If they fail to pay you what you deserve, our legal team will seek a lawsuit in court to hold them accountable.
Keep in mind that under the North Carolina statute of limitations (G.S. 1-52 Page 1 § 1‑52), most personal injury victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Distracted Driving Attorney Now
Contact Shane Smith Law to set up your consultation appointment with a Charlotte car accident attorney following a distracted driving crash.
We can help protect your rights and your claim.
