You May Be Eligible for Compensation if You Were Injured By a Distracted Driver

 Posted on January 07, 2019 in Car Accidents

We have all done it. You are driving along the highway when your phone rings. You know you should ignore the incessant ringing until you are not driving, but temptation wins and you reach for your phone. Distractions like cell phones contribute to nearly 80 percent of car crashes, according to some estimates The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,450 lives were lost in accidents involving a distracted driver in 2016. If you have been in a car accident caused by a driver who was not paying attention or was distracted, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

Distractions Which Can Cause Traffic Accidents

For many, driving a motor vehicle becomes second nature. Although most people exhibit cautious behavior when they are first learning to drive, after a while, many people become careless regarding safe driving habits. About 2 percent of all distracted driver traffic fatalities are caused simply by drivers who take their hands off the wheel to adjust the radio or climate controls. Driving with other people in the vehicle can be a major source of distractions as well. About 5 percent of traffic fatalities in relation to distracted driving are attributed to the passengers in the car. This phenomenon is especially true of teenaged drivers. Research shows that when a teen drives with two or more passengers, the likelihood that they will be involved in a fatal car accident increases by a factor of five.

Mental Distractions Are Just as Dangerous as Physical Distractions

Some may assume that if they wait until they are no longer driving to check their text messages or change the radio station that they avoid the dangers of distracted driving. However, experts say that distractions outside of the car can be dangerous too. About 7 percent of distracted driver fatalities are caused by people or other distractions outside of the vehicle. The leading cause of distracted driving car accidents is simply drivers who are lost in thought. Research shows that over half of distracted driving accidents, about 62 percent, are caused by daydreaming.

Negligent Drivers May Be Liable for Your Injuries 

Regardless of their intention, drivers who are distracted or not paying attention put others in danger. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was using a cellphone, distracted by passengers, lost in thought, or otherwise negligent, you may be able to receive financial compensation for things like medical bills and pain and suffering.

Contact a South Bay Distracted Driver Accident Injury Attorney

To learn more about seeking compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit, contact the experienced San Jose car accident lawyers at The Law Office of John J. Garvey, III. Call us at 408-293-7777 to schedule your completely cost-free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

https://www.teensafe.com/distracted-driving/100-distracted-driving-facts-and-statistics-2018/