Distracted driving is one of the biggest health and safety concerns that affects people throughout the United States. A person may commit distracted driving if they operate a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity. This could be as simple as adjusting a car radio, changing air conditioning settings, or eating or drinking while driving. However, the most common form of distracted driving is cell phone use. These distractions can result in dangerous car accidents, and if you or a loved one have been injured in a collision that was caused by distracted driving, you should speak with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. While taking one’s mind off of the road (cognitive distraction) or hands off the wheel (manual distraction) can be dangerous, the most lethal form of distracted driving is taking one’s eyes off of the road (visual distraction). Taking one’s eyes off the road for five seconds is long enough for a vehicle traveling at 55 miles per hour to cover the length of a whole football field. Distracted driving is the leading cause of rear-end collisions in the United States, and it can also lead to multiple other types of deadly accidents, including when a distracted driver drifts into another lane and causes a head-on collision.
Pursuing Compensation From a Distracted Driver
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 400,000 Americans are injured each year in collisions caused by distracted driving. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, you should first seek out the necessary medical attention, and you should then contact a knowledgeable attorney. Your lawyer will go over the events that led to the accident and help you determine the cause of the collision. If distracted driving was the reason for the accident, your attorney can uncover evidence demonstrating fault, including video footage from nearby security cameras or witness testimony. Your attorney can also document the full extent of all injuries you have suffered and the costs of medical treatment, damages to your vehicle, loss of work hours, and the pain and suffering you have experienced. By providing an accurate and fair assessment of your damages, your lawyer can ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Contact an Appleton, WI Car Accident Attorney
Following a car accident, it can be difficult to know how to move forward, but it is important to act quickly to protect your right to recover compensation. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we are prepared to gather the necessary evidence and advocate for your interests, ensuring that you are made financially whole. To schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled Green Bay personal injury lawyer, call us today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html