Marcus Richards
Every day, more than 1,000 people are injured in a car accident where the driver is distracted. When this type of accident occurs it can have a dramatic effect on the life of the injured person and on their families.
Distracted driving can come in many forms but the results are the same. Often, distracted driving is caused by a distracted driver using an electronic device while they are driving.
But if you get injured following a driving accident, what can you do about it?
In this article, we’ll take a look at what you should do if a distracted driver crashes into you.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Distracted Driver?
If a distracted driver has crashed into you, then you may be entitled to compensation. This could be used to cover your medical bills, loss of earnings, and any pain or suffering caused. If you become disabled as a result of the accident, the compensation will cover this also.
The first thing that you should do after seeking medical assistance is to speak with an experienced car accident attorney. To find out more visit www.demayolaw.com.
It is essential that you take legal advice over the matter as you may be offered a settlement by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This settlement may seem quick and easy, however, it may not be what you deserve, and it might not cover everything that you’re entitled to
What Type of Distractions Cause Accidents?
There are three types of distractions that can cause accidents. These include:
- Manual – This could mean taking your hands off the wheel to do something else
- Visual – This means taking your eyes off the road and looking at something else
- Cognitive – This means taking your mind off the task at hand
Although there are numerous ways that a driver can get distracted when they’re driving, by far the most common and most dangerous is texting while driving.
Texting while driving causes a staggering 1.6 million accidents each year worldwide and accounts for nearly a quarter of all car accidents.
Texting while driving causes the driver to become distracted in all three ways. They are not physically in control of the vehicle as they don’t have both hands on the steering wheel.
Looking at a phone screen means that a driver is not looking at the road and paying attention to the potential hazards that could be there.
If a driver is texting while they are in control of a vehicle, then they’re not thinking about driving.
What Other Forms of Distraction Causes Accidents?
Texting while driving is by no means the only behavior that causes distractions that lead to accidents. Talking on the phone can also be a problem, particularly if the driver is having to hold the phone while they speak.
Using a Bluetooth hands-free kit can help to minimize the risks associated with talking on the phone while driving.
Other things which may distract drivers include:
- Using a smartphone to check for travel directions
- Checking emails
- Browsing the internet
- Using social media
- Playing video games
- Making video calls
- Taking photos or recording videos
- Eating
- Grooming
- Changing the radio station
In addition to this, interacting with passengers in the vehicle may also cause the driver to become distracted.
If you have children or pets in the car, they too can be a distraction.
How Can Drivers Avoid Causing A Distracted Driving Accident?
The risks of causing an accident increase dramatically once you start to use a cell phone when you’re driving.
There are several key things that any driver can do to prevent themselves from causing an accident that may injure or even kill another road user or pedestrian.
One of the best ways of avoiding distractions while driving is to switch off your phone.
Alternatively, you could download an app that will prevent any notifications or calls from coming through while you are driving. There are even apps that will send an auto-response to the caller to let them know that you are currently on the road.
You can plan ahead. Make sure that you eat and groom before you set off. That way, there will be no need for you to carry out any dangerous multitasking which could cause an accident.
If there is a cause for distraction while you are driving, then pull over before you address it. Make sure that your vehicle is safely away from danger and that your engine is turned off before you pick up your phone or any other device that is causing you a distraction.
If you are driving with passengers, enlist their help in keeping you free from distraction at all times. This could mean that they will answer your phone for you, or help to remind you to stay focused on the road ahead.
Getting the Legal Help You Deserve
If a distracted driver has caused you injury it is important that you don’t just settle for the first offer that an insurance company makes. You may have long-lasting symptoms as a result of your accident and the full extent of your injuries and the impact may not be felt yet.
Hire a car accident lawyer at the earliest possible moment and they will be able to ensure you are able to get the settlement that you rightfully deserve and that all of the expenses you’ve incurred will be covered.
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