Introduction
Whether it is to take a gulp of coffee, vlogging on their cameras, or trying to change their makeup, distraction while driving is never acceptable. Especially when, as a driver, you make one wrong move, and you might seriously injure not just yourself but an innocent pavilion trying to cross the road.
How many times have we been at the sharp end of a distracted driver’s negligence? Barely missing a dangerous consequence even after following all the road safety protocols out there?
However, there are times when we are not that lucky, i.e., we face the side effects of a distracted driver. Yes, it is unfair when you play your part well in road safety. So you shouldn’t sit and not do anything.
When it comes to receiving justified compensation after an accident, the law is beside you, especially when the accident was a clear case of someone else’s negligence.
In this excerpt below, we will discuss the reason behind the distracted driving epidemic and what one should do when facing an accident.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is when a driver is not paying attention to the driving and is distracted by some other task. These activities are often mundane, and one doesn’t have to do it while driving. However, an impatient driver will indulge in these activities, which often distracts them:
- Talking on their cell phones.
- Trying to apply makeup on the rearview mirror.
- Eating or drinking with their eyes away from the road ahead.
- Scrolling through social media.
- Vlogging their journey.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that in the year 2019, distracted drivers were responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries.
Why Distraction Driving Causes Accidents
Professional drivers will claim to know driving like the back of their hand. According to a few, they can never meet with an accident, even when partially distracted. This entitled behavior blocks them from accepting reality. Driving requires high-functioning mental processes and perfect coordination.
Yes, when you drive every day, the coordination turns into muscle memory reflexes. But the road is unpredictable. Therefore, the minute cognitive impairment when someone is distracted while driving can lead to accidents.
Apart from that, we also have to keep in mind that the manual is distracting. If someone doesn’t have all hands on deck, they might not be able to move the vehicle with precision during critical situations.
What To Do When Faced With One
As a pavilion or other driver on the road, you could be following every traffic rule by the book and still face a distracted driver. Whether it is a rear-end corrosion or an accident with serious injury, you are entitled to compensation from the distracted driver. Here is how you should proceed.
1. Collect As Many Evidence
Before your attorney begins the investigation, the responsibility falls onto you. Do not indulge in fruitless conflicts; rather, click pictures and videos to show to the legal team later.
2. Get Medical Help
No matter how minute the injury is, you shouldn’t take it lightly. The next step is to call for an ambulance for you and your loved one. You won’t be able to fight any legal conflict if you are not in sound mind and good health. Ensuring that is the first step.
3. Negotiate The Settlement
Whether it is a settlement from the insurance company or the alleged culprit (distracted driver), you should never accept the first claim. Remember, they are trying to save their dimes. Therefore, getting legal advice while accepting the settlement is important. Distracted driving accident lawyer will be negotiating the proper settlement amount, which is worth the accident.
4. Do Not Speak To The Distracted Driver
The person who is at fault will try their best to settle the case mutually, most importantly without involving the lawyers. This is a trap you should stay away from at every cost because they will try to play the sympathy card and win you by your side. Every argument or settlement issue is your attorney’s job. So, your work essentially is to hire a good distraction driver attorney.
How To Find The Right Distraction Driver Attorney
This is quite a niche topic, even in the personal injury sphere. So, here is where you can find the best distraction attorney:
- Hire someone who has worked in such cases before.
- They are willing to give you every legal advice in case the matter goes for a formal trial and hearing.
- Your attorney should be compassionate and willing to hear your side of the story (pain).
- They should come with an array of recommendations and successful cases.
