Personal injury claims are all too common nowadays. From negligence to car accidents, people can often find themselves in a sticky legal situation. This is especially true when it comes to car accidents. In 2014 alone, there were over 30,000 fatal car accidents in the United States. One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. Unfortunately, with today’s fast-paced life, people may find it hard to focus solely on driving and nothing else. However, this can quickly become dangerous. This article is going to provide a brief overview of a few common forms of distracted driving and what to do if you’re in an accident caused by distracted driving.
Cell Phones
Whether it’s texting, calling, or using a GPS app, cell phones are one of the main causes of distracted driving. People often think checking their messages quickly won’t make a difference, but even a second of not having your eyes on the road can be dangerous.
Passengers
With other people in the car, drivers can easily become distracted. From simply talking to a passenger to having to try to handle cranky children in the back seat, a simple shift of attention from the road to passengers is commonly seen nowadays.
Eating or Drinking
Many people don’t see the harm in eating or drinking while driving. However, this can be one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. And the distraction level increases with messier or more complex food or drink. If people are focused on what they’re eating or drinking, they won’t be able to focus on the road in front of them.
Car Controls
Car navigation systems, temperature controls, and radio controls are all things people adjust while driving on a daily basis. While it may seem like a simple thing to do, looking away from the road to adjust controls in the car can lead to accidents.
Grooming
Getting ready in the car is becoming more and more popular. Brushing hair, putting on makeup, and even changing clothes are things people do while driving, but can become serious distractions from the road.
If you’re ever in an accident caused by distracted driving, finding a good attorney is one of the first steps you should take. Finding a good attorney early on is key to ensuring your case is handled properly every step of the way. With the help of experienced legal representation, you have a better chance of getting a favorable outcome because they’ll know how to handle important aspects of a case like evidence, witnesses, and compensation expectations.
Overall, distracted driving can be dangerous for not only the driver, but everyone on the roads. Nothing is so important that it can’t wait to be done until you reach your destination. Or if something needs to be done right away, pull over in a safe location. And if you are in an accident caused by distracted driving, make sure to find the best personal injury lawyer you can.
If you’re in the process of finding a good attorney to handle your personal injury lawsuit, call Steigmann Law. Our law team has the knowledge and experience to help manage your case.