According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving is anything that takes a motorist’s attention away from the roadway and represents a significant cause of accidents throughout the United States every year. If you suffered injuries as a result of a car accident involving a distracted driver, learn how a Washington DC distracted driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help with your case. Call us at (844) 730-0233.
Understanding the Different Types of Distracted Driving
People usually think of distracted driving as texting while driving, but there are several other different types of distracted driving that can prove just as dangerous or deadly on the roadways.
The Distracted Driving Safety Act of 2004 prohibits the use of cell phones or other devices while driving in Washington DC; however, other types of distracted driving that cause accidents include the following:
- General Distraction and absent-mindedness.
- Using a cell phone for any reason including talking, texting, social media, navigation, etc.
- Distraction as a result of seeing a person, object, event, or activity outside of the vehicle.
- Distraction as a result of a person, object, or event occurring within the vehicle.
- Using any other device inside the vehicle (such as a navigational device, etc.)
- Drinking, eating, or smoking.
- Attempting to adjust any control inside the vehicle, including climate control, seats, seatbacks, or radio.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Washington DC, call (844) 730-0233
Injuries Resulting from Distracted Driving Accidents
Every accident will have its own unique set of facts and circumstances. Distracted driving accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities, as one driver is simply not paying attention to the roadways. This momentary mistake can lead to grave consequences.
When this occurs, the driver may cause a head-on collision, sideswipe another vehicle, drive into other lanes of traffic, or fail to stop at a stoplight or intersection. As a result, the injuries suffered following a distracted driving accident are often catastrophic and severe. Some of the types of injuries suffered from a distracted driving accident include spinal cord injuries, paralysis, nerve damage, amputations, traumatic brain injury, fractured or broken bones, aortic dissection, internal organ injuries, internal bleeding, lacerations, burns, bruising, or death.
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Filing an Insurance Claim
If you suffered injuries as a result of an accident with a distracted driver, you will likely have to contact the negligent party’s insurance company regarding the accident and a possible settlement for your injuries and losses.
In some cases, an insurance company will immediately offer a victim a settlement. Bear in mind that an initial settlement may not fairly cover your losses from the accident. Your losses could result in significant medical bills and injuries severe enough that you are unable to return to work, resulting in a loss of income. Additionally, you may develop an ongoing condition that requires treatment and rehabilitation well into your future, expenses that may qualify for compensation under the law.
If an insurance company determines they may have the responsibility to pay for a victim’s injuries, they may request full medical records from the victim. While an insurance company does have the legal right to request medical records regarding the accident in order to determine a settlement amount, they do not have the legal right to request a full and complete medical history of the victim.
You can explore how a Washington DC distracted driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
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Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations with insurance companies fail to offer you fair compensation, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. While you can take legal action on your own, some victims choose to seek legal counsel and representation when filing a lawsuit. A Washington DC distracted driving accident lawyer can also help you investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove negligence on the part of the driver.
They may take a look at police reports, eye witness statements, and other documents to determine if distracted driving played a role in the collision.
Keep in mind that if you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, you do not have an unlimited amount of time to do so. In some states, a statute of limitations applies to personal injury lawsuits. These refer to deadlines by which you must complete the filing process, usually starting from the date of the accident. If you do not file by this time, you risk losing your right to take any legal action at all. Very few exceptions to a statute of limitations may apply, depending on the state.
A car accident lawyer can help you determine your window of time to file a personal injury lawsuit if you choose to do so. Negotiations with insurance companies can take a long period, as well, so you will want to begin determining your legal options as soon as possible.
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Learn How a Washington DC Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You Today
If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a distracted driver on the roadways, you may have the legal right to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Learn how a Washington DC distracted driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can help you establish your personal injury case and negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form