English
SpanishWhat Does Distracted Driving Refer To?
Distracted driving is a dangerous habit involving activities diverting a driver’s attention from the road. It can occur for many reasons, including texting, eating, talking on the phone, and adjusting the radio.
Unfortunately, the consequences of distracted driving can be severe, ranging from minor fender benders to catastrophic accidents leading to fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,522 people in 2021, a 12% increase from the previous year.
Furthermore, distracted driving crashes tend to be underreported, as drivers often fail to admit to engaging in distracting activities when speaking to law enforcement.
Experts believe that NHTSA’s estimates for distracted driving are significantly lower than the actual numbers. The National Distracted Driving Coalition suggests the numbers could be 25% to 30%, but no certain figure is available.
In this article, we will review the devastating consequences of driver distraction, including the legal support available for victims in California who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to a distracted driver’s negligence.
We’ll explore the legal options available to victims, including filing a personal injury claim and the potential compensation they may be entitled to recover.
If you’ve been injured due to distracted driving, you may be entitled to compensation. Consult the experts at Frantz Law Group to learn more today.
Distracted Driving Among Younger Motorists
Distracted driving is a major issue among young people, particularly novice drivers. It refers to any type of distraction that takes your attention away from the road, including manual distractions (such as eating or adjusting the radio) and cognitive distractions (such as daydreaming or talking on the phone).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers between the ages of 15-20 have a higher percentage of distracted driving accidents than those over 21. In 2019, 9% of these younger drivers were distracted during the crash. This is alarming, as young drivers are more prone to get distracted while driving than their older counterparts.
Distracted driving among teen drivers has been a growing concern in recent years. With the advent of technology, electronic devices have become an integral part of our lives. However, the excessive use of these devices while driving can prove fatal.
A significant contributor to distracted teen driving is cell phone use while driving. As mobile technology has become more prevalent, so has the temptation to check messages, scroll through social media, or send a text message while behind the wheel.
The CDC reports that 39% of high school students admitted to texting or emailing while driving over the last 30 days.
But cell phone use is not the only distraction. Device use with hands-free technology and navigation system can also lead to distracted driving. Although it’s easy to assume that this technology is safe, they pose a similar risk to hand-held devices. When we use electronic devices, our attention is easily diverted, which can lead to an accident.
Distracted driving is a serious problem among young drivers and can have fatal consequences. Educating the young age group about the importance of safe driving and the dangers of electronic devices while on the road is essential. By raising awareness and promoting responsible driving habits (like distracted driving awareness month), we can prevent dangerous driving behaviors and tragic accidents, ensuring the safety of our roads.
The Dangers and Impact of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a rampant problem in California and the United States, causing numerous motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities yearly.
In fact, about 3,000 people die in auto accidents due to distracted driving every year. This is just one of the several shocking texting and driving statistics in the country.
Jim Jones was hit and nearly killed by a 19-year-old who was talking with his girlfriend while driving. Jim suffered a traumatic brain injury, and his family was told he would never walk again and would have the mental capacity of a 5-year-old.
The physical impact of distracted driving accidents can be devastating, causing injuries ranging from concussion and whiplash to paralysis and amputation. On top of that, victims often face emotional trauma and financial hardships, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability.
Frantz Law Group understands the gravity of the situation and is dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving incidents. With the right legal support, victims can get the compensation they deserve and hold those responsible for their injuries and suffering accountable.
We have successfully helped victims of distracted driving, such as a $6 million settlement for a young man who suffered severe injuries due to the negligent conduct of two tractor-trailer drivers.
Legal Rights of Distracted Driving Accident Victims
Victims and their families affected by distracted driving can get help. They can take the driver who was not paying attention to the court. The court may give money to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain from the accident.
In California, victims of distracted driving have legal options to seek compensation for their injuries, emotional distress, and property damage. They can file a personal injury lawsuit against the distracted driver, leading to monetary damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Victims can seek compensation from their insurance policy if the distracted driver is uninsured or underinsured.
It is important that victims and families know they are not alone in this situation and they have rights.
How a Law Firm Can Help Victims of Distracted Driving
Legal representation can help victims of distracted driving navigate the complex legal process by providing guidance, support, and advocacy. Personal injury lawyers can assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and fighting for fair compensation on behalf of their clients. They can also help victims understand their legal rights and options and connect them to other resources such as medical care and counseling.
Gather Evidence
An experienced attorney can help victims gather evidence, such as photos from the scene of the fatal crash and witness statements. These pieces of evidence, along with medical records, accident reports, and data from auto manufacturers, are vital in proving negligence in a distracted driving case.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Once all the evidence has been gathered, an attorney can help negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, ensuring that victims receive fair and just compensation for their injuries.
Advocate for Victims
An attorney can also fight for victims in court if necessary. A legal representative can help build an effective case to ensure victims get the justice they deserve. They will fight for fair compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Frantz Law Group, we are dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving seek justice and compensation for their injuries and losses. As experienced personal injury attorneys, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to guide our clients through the legal process and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Choosing the Right Law Firm
When choosing a law firm to handle your case, it is important to consider several factors. One of the most important factors is experience. A law firm that has substantial experience handling similar cases can get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Another factor that should be considered is a law firm’s success rate. You want to work with a law firm with a proven track record of obtaining favorable client results.
In addition to experience and success rate, client testimonials are important. Look for a law firm with a reputation for providing outstanding legal services and achieving excellent client outcomes.
At Frantz Law Group, we have over 30 years of experience representing victims of distracted driving accidents. Our team of experienced attorneys has helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries and other losses. Our clients consistently praise our professionalism, compassion, and dedication to their cases.
We take the time to explain complicated legal concepts in a way that is easy for our clients to understand, and we always make ourselves available to answer any questions they may have.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident, Seek Legal Help Immediately
Choosing the right law firm is important if you need legal support following a distracted driving accident.
At Frantz Law Group, our years of experience, success rate, and client testimonials demonstrate our commitment to providing excellent legal services to victims of distracted driving.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you seek the justice you deserve.