Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on most American roads and the world at large. Statistics show that an estimated eight people die in the US from distracted driving-related accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also confirm the exact statistics, describing distracted driving as operating a motor vehicle with divided attention.
What this means is that by changing the radio, texting or talking on your phone, looking at the rearview mirror, eating, gazing absently outside at the scenery, you’re violating traffic rules by driving distractedly.
Although distracted driving comes in many forms, texting is the most commonly reported cause of distracted driving-related accidents. Each year, texting while driving accounts for more than 3000 deaths and 400,000 injuries, while an estimated 600,000 drivers involved in accidents were using phones while driving. 10% of these collisions involved drivers aged between 15-19 years old, while those aged between 20-30 accounted for 38% of all fatalities.
Types Of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving comes in various forms and may be categorized as visual, manual, or cognitive.
Visual distractions: These are anything that takes your attention from focusing on the road, such as looking at the scenery outside, chatting on your phone, etc.=
Manual distractions: When you take your hands off the wheel to perform specific tasks, including reaching for your phone in the dashboard compartment, adjusting the side mirror, etc.
Cognitive distractions: These are anything that completely takes your mind off the task at hand, which is driving. For instance, thinking of what awaits you at the end of your destination or a stressful situation.
Texting is a significant catalyst for result in any of the above categories of distractions. Glancing at your phone even for a few seconds and thinking about the details of the message is a dangerous move. If you are hurt in such a scenario or your loved one is killed as a result, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to fight your legal battles.
Steps To Take Following A Distracted Driver Accident
Although none of us expects to get involved in an accident under any circumstances, it is an inevitable occurrence. In case you’re involved in an accident, there are several critical steps to take to ensure your rights and the rights of other victims are protected. Here are the steps to take:
Call 911 immediately: Call the police immediately following an accident and especially if there were severe injuries. Ensure you provide details about the nature of the accident, whether it is a hit-and-run, head-on, rollover, or multi-car. While at it, request an officer to come over and provide a police report.
Collect personal details: Obtain the names, addresses, phone contacts, and driving licenses of other drivers involved in the crash.
Collect vehicle details: Take vehicle details such as license plates and vehicle registration numbers from other parties involved in the accident.
Identify potential witnesses: Obtain names, addresses, and contact details of any passengers or witnesses.
Collect Photographic Evidence: Take pictures or record videos of the crash scene documenting the damage and other issues of importance such as street signs, traffic conditions, etc.
Contact your insurance provider With the help of a legal representative, especially a qualified personal injury attorney, contact your insurance provider to let them know about the accident. We strongly recommend you do so with the help of a lawyer to avoid problems.
Contact a brilliant car accident attorney
If you sustained an injury or serious vehicle damage as a result of being involved in a rear-end car accident that is more than $750, contact Dallas car accident attorneys immediately. The earlier you reach out to an attorney, the sooner they will be able to secure and protect your rights.
