A distracted driving accident occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, leading to a crash. These accidents happen when a driver focuses on something other than safely operating their vehicle, such as texting, eating, adjusting in-car controls, or even daydreaming.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic collisions nationwide, contributing to thousands of preventable accidents each year. The consequences of these crashes can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage.
Victims are left facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our Charlotte distracted driving lawyers have the information you need to understand these incidents.
What Are the Common Causes of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving isn’t limited to texting or phone use. It encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving. Common causes include:
- Texting or Talking on a Phone: Even hands-free devices divide a driver’s focus.
- Eating or Drinking: Grabbing food or beverages can cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel.
- Adjusting Controls: Changing the GPS, radio, or air conditioning can take attention away from the road.
- Passenger Interaction: Talking to passengers, especially young children, can be highly distracting.
- Daydreaming or Zoning Out: Letting your mind wander instead of focusing on the road.
- External Distractions: Looking at billboards, other vehicles, or roadside events like accidents.
Any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving can lead to a dangerous or even deadly accident.
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Why Is Distracted Driving So Dangerous?
Distracted driving is particularly dangerous because it reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes. For example, at 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without looking.
This lack of focus frequently causes:
- Rear-End Collisions: Failing to notice stopped or slowing traffic ahead
- Side-Impact Crashes: Drifting into another lane or running a red light
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents: Failing to see vulnerable road users in crosswalks or bike lanes
Distracted driving accidents are entirely preventable, making the injuries and losses they cause even more tragic.
What Are the Consequences of Distracted Driving Accidents?
The consequences of a distracted driving accident can devastate victims and their families. Some of the most common outcomes include:
- Severe Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal organ damage are all common.
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of an accident can be long-lasting, leading to anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Financial Losses: Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Permanent Disabilities: Some injuries result in lifelong physical or cognitive impairments.
In the most tragic cases, distracted driving accidents result in fatalities, leaving families grieving the loss of a loved one while struggling with unexpected financial and emotional burdens. If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, a Charlotte car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.
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How Can You Protect Your Rights After a Distracted Driving Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and document your injuries.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any visible damages.
- Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters Alone: They may try to minimize your claim.
- Contact a Lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you hold the distracted driver accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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How Can a Charlotte Distracted Driving Lawyer Help You?
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, hiring a Charlotte personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Investigating the Accident: A lawyer will gather evidence to prove the driver was distracted. This may include reviewing phone records, security footage, or witness statements.
- Calculating Your Losses: Lawyers ensure all your damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering—are accurately assessed.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims or shift blame onto the victim. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you’re treated fairly.
- Filing Your Claim: Your attorney will handle all legal paperwork and ensure deadlines are met.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer will take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
An experienced lawyer will protect your rights and fight to hold the at-fault driver accountable, giving you the best chance of recovering the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact a Charlotte Distracted Driving Lawyer Today
Distracted driving accidents are preventable, but their consequences can be life-altering. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At DeMayo Law Offices, our experienced Charlotte distracted driving lawyers are here to help.
We will investigate your case, handle the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
