Imagine this: You’re on the road, trusting other drivers to be alert. Suddenly, a car swerves – the driver was texting. This scenario plays out, tragically, too often.
Texting while driving has become an alarming trend in recent years, leading to numerous accidents and fatalities on the road. With the rise of smartphones and constant connectivity, it has become increasingly difficult for people to put down their phones, even while behind the wheel.
Texting while driving isn’t just irresponsible, it can be a fatal error. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,308 people were killed last year due to distracted driving and another 289,310 people were injured. Of those fatalities, 8% were attributed to texting while driving. That may seem like a small percentage, but when you consider that it only takes a split second of distraction to cause an accident, the numbers become much more alarming.
Let’s take a closer look at what some consider an epidemic – texting while driving accidents. We’ll outline the latest statistics, walk you through what to do if you’re in an accident with a distracted driver, and we’ll discuss how a personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights.
Texting While Driving Statistics
Texting while driving remains a serious danger on the roads today. Despite most people acknowledging the risks, a significant portion of drivers still engage in this behavior. Texting and distracted driving statistics underscore the growing epidemic in the United States.
- According to NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.
- According to a 2022 survey by AAA, nearly all respondents (93%) believed texting or emailing while driving is very or extremely dangerous. However, a concerning disconnect exists as 37% of those surveyed admitted to reading a text or email, and 27% admitted to typing one, all while behind the wheel in the past month.
- Texting while driving translates into real-world consequences. The NHTSA reports that in 2022, cell phone use or texting was a contributing factor in 12% of fatal crashes, resulting in 3,308 deaths.
- Distracted driving, which texting while driving falls under, was responsible for 8% of injury crashes (over 20,000) and 8% of all reported crashes (over 44,000) in 2022. These statistics highlight the prevalence of texting while driving and the devastating impact it has on our roads.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you have a right to file a personal injury case. Recovering after an accident can be grueling, not to mention expensive. A personal injury attorney can help you fight for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Rear-Ended by a Texting Driver? Here’s Your Action Plan to Protect Yourself (and Your Rights)
Being struck by a distracted driver is a terrifying experience. Not only are you dealing with the physical and emotional shock of the accident, but the legal and financial repercussions can quickly become overwhelming. If you suspect the other driver was texting while driving, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and to build a strong case. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after a car accident caused by a distracted driver:
Check for Injuries & Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Adrenaline is a powerful hormone that can mask pain, especially in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to seek medical attention from a doctor or emergency room physician as soon as possible. Early medical records documenting your injuries become crucial evidence in any potential legal claim. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen – a delayed doctor’s visit can raise doubts about the severity of your injuries and the link to your accident.
Secure the Scene & Gather Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
While waiting for help to arrive, take steps to secure the accident scene. If possible, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If it’s safe to do so, document the scene with photos and videos using your smartphone. Capture pictures of the damage to your vehicle, any visible injuries you sustained, and the broader accident scene, including traffic signals, signage, skid marks, and the position of the vehicles involved.
Additionally, collect contact information from the other driver and any witnesses who saw the accident occur. Their statements can be invaluable in corroborating your version of events.
Report the Accident & Clearly State Your Suspicion of Distracted Driving
File a police report as soon as possible after the accident. When speaking with law enforcement officials, be clear and concise about what happened. Crucially, mention your suspicion that the other driver was texting while driving. This information will be documented in the police report and strengthen your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer who Focuses on Distracted Driving Accidents
Don’t try to navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim on your own. Involving a lawyer experienced with distracted driving accidents is critical. An experienced attorney will understand the specific legal challenges associated with these cases and can advocate for you with the insurance company. They can fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for:
- Medical bills: This includes past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, your lawyer can help recover lost income.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
Remember: Every second counts after a car accident. By acting swiftly and taking these steps to document the scene, seek medical attention, and secure legal representation, you significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. Don’t let a distracted driver’s negligence leave you facing the financial and emotional burden of their actions. Take charge and protect your rights.
How a Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help After an Accident Caused by Texting While Driving
Navigating the legal intricacies of a personal injury claim can be overwhelming. A seasoned personal injury attorney can be your strongest ally, ensuring your voice is heard in the pursuit of justice. Here are three direct ways an attorney can help you with your case:
- Gathering Evidence of Texting While Driving: Proving the other driver was texting is crucial. Your attorney can obtain phone records, subpoena social media accounts, and gather eyewitness statements to substantiate this claim.
- Understanding and Proving Negligence: Negligence is the foundation of a personal injury claim. Your attorney will work to prove the four elements of negligence—duty, breach, causation, and damages—to demonstrate the other driver’s culpability.
- Ensuring Fair Compensation for Damages: Damages from a car accident can be extensive—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Your attorney will fight to secure the compensation you deserve, whether through a settlement or court trial, ensuring you have the resources to recover and move forward.
Remember, as an accident victim, you have rights. Insurance companies have a team of attorneys fighting to minimize their financial responsibility. You deserve the same legal representation.
Lancaster Personal Injury Attorneys
Texting While Driving Accidents? We Fight for You. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of texting-while-driving accidents. Proving phone use while driving can sometimes be difficult, and we work hard to gather evidence for your case. The intricacies of the legal system can also be overwhelming — so let us take on the burden for you.
Our Lancaster attorneys solely focus on personal injury cases, including texting-while-driving accidents. We have a deep understanding of the specific laws and strategies needed to win a case against a driver who carelessly uses their phone while driving.
You do not have to face the legal system alone. We offer free consultations so you can learn about your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win. Contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW or reach out online. With a 99% success rate and over $90 million secured for our clients, at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm — Winning… Is No Accident™.
