Distracted Driving Accidents

What Should You Do After a Distracted Driving Accident?

If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights:

Call 911

Calling 911 will send the ambulance and police to your location. Report the accident to the police and provide them with as much information as possible, including details about the other driver and any witnesses.

Seek Medical Attention

The first priority after any accident is to seek medical attention for yourself and any other injured parties. Even if you feel fine, you still need to get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident, including photos of the damage, witness contact information, and any other relevant details.

Contact an Attorney

If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Possible Injuries Caused By Distracted Driving

Distracted driving accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious, life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries that can result from a distracted driving accident include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. This is a common injury in rear-end collisions.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can occur when the head is struck or jolted, causing damage to the brain. Distracted driving accidents can result in TBIs if the victim’s head strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or other objects in the car.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spinal cord is damaged as a result of the accident, leading to permanent paralysis or other long-term health problems.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a common injury in car accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions caused by distracted driving.

Cuts and Lacerations

Victims of distracted driving accidents may sustain cuts and lacerations from broken glass or other debris in the car.

Emotional Distress

Distracted driving accidents can also cause emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Proof Do Attorneys Use After Distracted Drivers Hit You?

After a distracted driver hits your car, an experienced personal injury attorney may use a variety of types of evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, including:

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony can be very powerful in a car accident case, particularly if the witness saw the distracted driver using their phone or engaging in other negligent behaviors at the time of the accident.

Police Reports

Police reports are important evidence in any car accident case as they contain detailed information about the accident, including the names of all parties involved, witness statements, and other important details.

Cell Phone Records

If the distracted driver was using their cell phone at the time of the accident, their cell phone records may provide important evidence of their distraction and potential liability.

Medical Records

Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment can provide important evidence of the severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages.

Expert Testimony

In some cases, an attorney may call on expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts or medical experts, to provide testimony and help build a strong case on your behalf.

Who Is Responsible For a Distracted Driving Accident?

In a distracted driving accident, the person who was driving while distracted would generally be considered responsible for the accident. Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of driving, such as texting, using a cell phone, eating, drinking, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio.

Recoverable Damages in a Distracted Driving Accident

If the distracted driver caused an accident, they would be held responsible for any injuries or damages that resulted. Depending on the circumstances, they may be liable for:

Property Damage

If the distracted driver collided with another vehicle, they would be responsible for any damage to the other vehicle.

Lost Wages

If someone was unable to work due to their injuries, the distracted driver may be responsible for compensating them for their lost wages.

Medical Expenses

If someone was injured in the accident, the distracted driver may be responsible for paying for their medical expenses.

Pain and Suffering

If someone experienced physical or emotional pain and suffering as a result of the accident, the distracted driver may be responsible for compensating them for these damages.

In some cases, there may be a shared liability. For example, if another driver was also partially at fault for the accident, the responsibility for damages may be split between the two drivers. To find out how to obtain compensation, speak to your distracted driving attorney today. Contact Scott The Lawyer now for a free initial consultation.