Being involved in an auto accident is something that can change your life forever. You may not be able to work for a long period of time while recovering from your injuries. In addition, you may also not be able to live the life that you did before the auto accident. If you have been hit by a distracted driver, what rights do you have to hold that person responsible for what happened to you?
What Are the Odds of Getting Into a Crash With a Distracted Driver?
In 2011, 10 percent of all crashes were caused by a driver who was distracted by a cell phone or because the driver was reaching for a phone or wallet according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Studies indicate that you could be three times more likely to get into a crash while performing a seemingly simple activity.
Although younger drivers tend to get into the most accidents due to distracted driving, drivers of any age can get into bad habits. Specific ways auto accidents happen due to distracted driving include talking to passengers, focusing on a cell phone or eating while driving. In some cases, simply daydreaming or thinking about something other than the road in front of your can cause an accident.
Pursue a Personal injury Case Against That Driver
Hiring a personal injury lawyer may be the first step toward getting the compensation that you deserve. If successful, it may be possible to get compensation for medical bills incurred in the accident as well as money for pain and suffering.
Those who are no longer able to work may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and lost future earnings. Long-term care costs may also be factored into the equation when determining how much compensation an individual is entitled to.
Your attorney can talk to witnesses or gather evidence in your case to help you get everything that you are entitled to. In some cases, you attorney will be able to get you the compensation you deserve without having to go to court by negotiating a pre-trial settlement on your behalf.
How to Prove a Driver Was Distracted at the Time of an Accident
There may be ways to prove that a driver was distracted at the time of an accident. For example, obtaining cell phone records can demonstrate when a text was received or sent prior to an accident. Driver statements may indicate that he or she was reaching for something or thinking about work or some other event prior to an accident. Drivers who had not slept in the previous 24 hours could also be liable for driving while distracted due to being in a drowsy state behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is something that the government has tried its best to curb. However, it is up to each driver to stay focused while on the road. If you are hurt in an accident with a distracted driver, you may be able to file a personal injury case against that driver. Hiring a distracted driving attorney to preserve your rights could lead to compensation to help you recover from such a life-altering event.