If you take your eyes off the road for even a second, something terrible could happen. More and more accidents happen when drivers are not paying attention. These accidents hurt people badly and cost them a lot of money. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a driver who was not paying attention, it is very important that you know how this affects your personal injury claim.
The lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein can help you get the money you deserve and deal with the complicated parts of your case.
Contents
1. The Rise Of Distracted Driving
Even though our phones and car gadgets are useful, it is unsafe to use them while driving. When you text, talk on the phone, or even fiddle with the radio, your attention is taken off the road. This can make it take longer for people to react, miss traffic lights, and eventually cause accidents.
2. The Burden Of Proof In Distracted Driving Claims
You have to show that the other driver was negligent in order to win a personal injury claim. This means showing that the driver’s actions caused the crash when they were distracted. Proof can help in these ways:
- Police Records: The at-fault driver’s behavior at the scene of the accident is often written down in police records. It helps your case if the officer saw them using a phone or being distracted in some other way.
- Witness Testimony: Accounts from witnesses can be very helpful. Someone may have seen the other driver texting or glancing down at their lap. Their words can back up what you are saying.
- Phone Records: Cell phone records may show activity at the time of the accident, which could mean the person was on the phone. This kind of proof can be very convincing.
- Footage From Traffic Cameras: Accidents are sometimes caught on camera by traffic cameras. The video footage can be very helpful if it shows the driver who was at fault was not paying attention.
3. The Impact It Has On The Value Of Your Claim
Distracted driving accidents often cause worse injuries because people take longer to respond. The driver who was not paying attention might not have had time to slow down or turn to avoid an accident. This can cause hospital bills to go up and treatment to last a long time. Also, judges might see driving while distracted as a form of negligence. This could mean more money for pain and suffering, as well as criminal damages meant to punish the driver who caused the accident and stop them from doing it again.
4. The Psychological Toll Of Distracted Driving Accidents
Besides hurting people physically, crashes caused by distracted drivers can have a big effect on their mental health as well. They might have anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trouble dealing with the stress. These mental and emotional health problems can make it hard for someone to return to normal activities and enjoy life. It is important to understand that these mental effects are real and can be just as bad as the physical ones. It is important to talk about both the physical and mental harm caused by the accident when you are asking for compensation.
5. Seek Professional Legal Help
Personal injury cases can be hard to understand, especially ones that involve driving while distracted. A personal injury lawyer with a lot of experience can look into your accident, gather proof, and build a strong case that will help you get the most money possible.
Conclusion
Do not forget that driving while distracted is a big problem. You can hold the driver who caused the accident responsible and get the money you need to heal if you know how it affects personal injury cases and get legal help if you have been hurt.
