The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 2,800 fatalities occurred due to distracted driving in 2018 alone. With the increase in technology, many drivers are often distracted while talking on cell phones or texting while driving. Distracted driving can result in car accidents that cause fatalities or serious injuries. If you were injured in a car accident that resulted from a driver’s distraction or negligence, a Milwaukee distracted driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help. Call (844) 730-0233 to talk to a member of our team today and see how we can work with you to get the compensation you deserve.
Defining Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any behavior or activity that diverts the motorist’s attention away from driving and the roadway. Many people believe that distracted driving is synonymous with texting and driving. While texting and driving poses a serious distraction to drivers, there are other forms of distraction that can lead to serious accidents, including:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Eating, drinking, or smoking
- Attempting to reach or locate something inside the vehicle
- Checking GPS or other navigational coordinates
- Applying makeup or grooming in any way
- Distraction from pets, children, or other passengers inside of the vehicle
- Distractions from outside the car
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Milwaukee, call (844) 730-0233
Signs of Distracted Driving
Drivers on any roadway need to remain vigilant and alert at all times. Defensive driving can prevent many accidents. Some of the signs of distracted driving include:
- Driving either much faster or much slower than the speed limit
- Changing speed often in a short amount of time
- Stopping longer than necessary at a stop sign
- Failing to move through an intersection when a red traffic light turns green
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Slowly veering into another lane of traffic
- Failing to remain in the center of the lane
- Sharply swerving to one side in an attempt to course-correct after veering into another lane of traffic
If you see another driver on the roadway operating a vehicle in such a manner, the best course of action is to avoid them at all costs. However, these signs of distracted driving are essential to note as they could prove a foundation upon which you can build a personal injury case and receive compensation for your injuries and losses following a car accident due to negligent or distracted driving.
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Building a Distracted Driving Case
Many distracted driving accidents are the direct result of texting while driving. According to the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, texting while driving is against the law for all Wisconsin drivers and is punishable by tickets for inattentive driving, fines, and demerit points. To conduct an independent investigation regarding liability and fault for the accident and to build a strong distracted driving case, a victim will need the following:
- Cell phone records to determine if the driver texted while driving or talked on a cell phone while driving at the time of the accident
- An official copy of the police report
- Interviews with witnesses to the accident
- Interviews with accident reconstruction experts to better determine if distracted driving caused the accident
Building a personal injury case related to distracted driving involves specific and special consideration. Under certain circumstances, a victim may also have the ability to claim that a distracted driver operated a vehicle recklessly, which carries additional charges. Connecting with a Milwaukee distracted driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you better understand your legal rights and options to pursue a case under the law.
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Steps to Take Following Your Distracted Driving Accident
If you were injured or suffered damages in a car accident that you believe was caused by distracted driving, you might want to consider taking the following steps:
- Contact Law Enforcement. If you did not do so immediately following the accident, contact the police to promptly file an official police report.
- Seek Medical Attention. If you failed to go to an emergency room or see a healthcare provider immediately following your accident, you should do so as soon as possible. Some injuries can have masked symptoms for hours or even days. Without medical attention, traumatic brain injuries and internal organ damage can develop into life-threatening conditions. Visit a medical professional to receive a complete medical evaluation and always follow the treatment plan provided by your physician.
- Contact Your Insurance Company. Contact your insurance company to let them know of your involvement in a car accident. Do not admit any guilt or liability for the accident or give any detailed information regarding your injuries.
- Keep Careful Documentation. Make sure to keep all of your expenses due to medical bills, lost wages, personal care (housecleaner, childcare, etc. due to your injuries), travel, and any other costs associated with your car accident.
- Do Not Post on Social Media Regarding Your Distracted Driving Case. Do not discuss your distracted driving case on social media, as things you post or pictures you take can reduce your settlement amount.
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Milwaukee Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help
To develop a personal injury case after a distracted driving accident, unique pieces of evidence are often needed, including cell phone records. A Milwaukee distracted driving accident lawyer can help you collect and understand the types of evidence you will need to establish liability and receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Our legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC does not shy away from tough cases. We are standing by to help you understand how to ensure the protection of your legal rights. Call us today at (844) 730-0233.
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