With the use and dependency on technology, some tempted drivers on the roadways consistently check their cell phones. Unfortunately, the statistics show that about half of adolescent drivers use their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, according to a 2016 study from Health and Human Services. However, texting and driving is not the only way that a driver can suffer from others’ distractions on the roadways.
In fact, the definition of distracted driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is any activity that takes the attention of the driver away from the roadway. Distracted driving causes numerous accidents every year, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
If you have suffered any losses or injuries as a result of a distracted driver, consider hiring a Sarasota distracted driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to help you with your next legal steps.
Examples of Distracted Driving
As the victim of a distracted driving accident, you may not know what distraction caused the driver to fail to concentrate on the roadway. In some cases, an investigation of the accident results in witness testimony as well as interviews with the negligent driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that in 2018 over 2,800 fatalities occurred as a result of distracted driving. Some examples of distracted driving include the following:
- Texting while driving
- Using a cell phone to talk while driving
- Using a cell phone to check a navigational app (or another app) while driving
- General distractions outside the vehicle
- Being inattentive to the roadways
- Distraction from a person inside the vehicle
- Distraction from checking the controls of the vehicle, such as a GPS device, the radio, temperature control, or others
- Drinking, eating, or smoking while driving
These examples are not exhaustive, and in some cases, an investigation can determine the cause of the car accident. If distracted driving of a negligent driver caused your car accident, consider getting in touch with our legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC for a free case review. A Sarasota distracted driving accident lawyer may be able to help protect your legal rights and pursue compensation for your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Sarasota, call (844) 730-0233
Injuries and Distracted Driving Accidents
As expected, when one driver is distracted on the road, serious accidents resulting in severe injuries and fatalities may occur. Head-on collisions, sideswiping accidents, and T-bone accidents can occur when drivers are distracted and unfocused on the roadway and motorists around them.
As a result, the victims of a distracted driving accident can suffer severe injuries. Some examples of injuries suffered from a serious car accident can include traumatic brain injuries, aortic dissection, internal organ damage and bleeding, spinal cord injuries, neck and head injuries, paralysis, burns, lacerations, bruising, and death. It is recommended to consult a medical professional as soon as possible following any kind of accident to ensure you receive a proper medical evaluation and treatment for your injuries.
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Insurance Companies and Distracted Driving Accidents
If one has suffered injuries related to a car accident, they may attempt to receive compensation from the insurance company of the negligent driver. This can be difficult as some insurance companies are hesitant to pay without conducting their own investigations. To that end, they may use certain tactics to elicit responses from you that they can use to prevent paying a fair settlement. If you make the decision to negotiate with insurance companies on your own behalf, consider the following:
- Only answer direct questions that relate to your car accident.
- Do not allow an insurance company to record your conversations.
- Do not allow an insurance company to have complete and full access to your entire medical history.
- Do not cash a check from an insurance company unless you understand it will be the only check you receive regarding the settlement of your car accident.
- Do not admit guilt or liability to the distracted driving accident.
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Filing a Lawsuit Due to a Distracted Driving Accident
If an insurance company fails to offer you a fair settlement for your injuries and losses resulting from a car accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit with a court of law. Remember that if you make the decision to file a lawsuit, you only have a certain amount of time to do so. If you miss the deadline, then you may also miss your opportunity to receive compensation.
It is important to understand that if you file a lawsuit, the insurance company may not compensate you for any more than is legally required. Therefore, the insurance company can try to provide strong defenses for their client to avoid paying substantial settlements or have the court award substantial judgments in favor of their client. One of the ways they can do this is through defending against the charge of distracted driving.
An insurance company may try to argue that their client was using a phone for emergency purposes, was only using hands-free technology, or was actually not distracted in any way. In some cases, the insurance company may try to place greater blame on the victim for the car accident.
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Learn How a Sarasota Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you want to file a lawsuit against an insurance company for compensation of your car accident or want to have your legal rights remain protected, call our legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233. Our Sarasota distracted driving accident lawyer can help you with all of the steps necessary to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering related to your distracted driving accident case.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
