Most everyone thinks they are good drivers. Whether they have never gotten into an accident or even received a speeding ticket, most are confident in their ability to navigate the roads. However, this confidence can offer a false sense of security, and many may choose to engage in distracted driving. Though cellphone use is the most common, there are many different forms. If you were injured by a distracted driver, motor vehicle accident attorneys are ready to help you get the justice you deserve.
What are the types of distracted driving?
There are three primary kinds of distracted driving; manual, visual, and cognitive. Manual distractions involve taking your hands away from the wheel in order to complete another task. For example, eating, applying makeup, and setting up a GPS all take your hands away from the wheel. Visual distractions tear your eyes away from the road, such as looking at your passenger or a crash on the other side of the road. Cognitive distractions are when a driver focuses on other thoughts, taking their attention away from driving. Getting into intense discussions with passengers and daydreaming can take your focus away from driving, despite having your hands on the when and your eyes on the road.
How dangerous is this?
According to statistics, it’s believed that 7% of fatal collisions involve distracted driving, while it’s estimated that 400,000 people are injured due to inattentive motorists.
While each of these distractions on their own are dangerous, when combined, they can have fatal effects. For example, texting and driving involve all three kinds of distraction, as you need to use your hands, take your eyes away from the road, and think about the conversation you are having.
Limiting distractions is essential to preventing injuries. You should set all electronics up before driving to avoid fiddling with your GPS or music. Similarly, silencing distractions and keeping your phone in a safe but accessible location is essential.
What should I do if a distracted driver injures me?
If you are injured due to a distracted driver, understanding how to proceed is essential. The most important thing you should do following an accident is to call emergency services. Not only does this allow you to receive emergency medical treatment, but it also allows the police to create an accident report.
You should also take photos of the accident scene if possible. This helps provide evidence to help your case, as pictures of the damage to the vehicles, skid marks, and injuries can help prove the cause of the injury.
When you are injured, Friedman Schuman is ready to help. Our experienced attorneys believe that you deserve the justice you deserve. Contact our dedicated legal team today to learn more about how we can help you navigate your personal injury claim.
