According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. In 2019 alone, distracted driving accounted for 8.7% of all fatal crashes and 7.2% of all crashes resulting in injury. With the rise of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a serious problem on our roads.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, or even adjusting the radio. When a driver is distracted, they are less able to react to changing road conditions and are more likely to cause an accident.
Who is at Fault in a Distracted Driving Accident?
In most cases, the driver who was distracted at the time of the accident will be found at fault. However, there are some situations where other parties may share the blame. For example, if a driver was texting while driving and rear-ended another vehicle, but the vehicle in front of them had a broken taillight, the driver of the front vehicle may share some of the fault.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
The best way to avoid distracted driving is to put away all electronic devices while behind the wheel. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location first. You should also avoid eating or drinking while driving, as this can also be a distraction. Finally, make sure to get enough rest before driving to avoid drowsy driving, which can also be dangerous.
What to Do if You are in an Accident
If you are involved in a car accident caused by distracted driving, it is important to seek medical attention right away, even if you do not feel injured. You should also contact the police and exchange information with the other driver. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Distracted driving is a serious problem that can lead to devastating car accidents. By understanding the risks of distracted driving and taking steps to avoid it, we can all help make our roads safer. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving, contact Adams Law Firm today to learn more about your legal options.