Distracted Driving Car Accidents

DISTRACTED DRIVING CAR ACCIDENTS

Many car accidents occur because drivers are driving while distracted. Distracted driving can take on a lot of different forms, all of which can be deadly because it means the driver is not paying attention to the road and is exposing others on the road to potential dangers. Common forms of distracted driving include:

• Driving while talking on a cellphone
• Driving while texting
• Driving while drunk
• Driving while high

The overwhelming majority of car accidents that occur because of distracted driving because of driving while on a cell phone. While it is advisable for drivers to switch to blue tooth after being in a car accident, many drivers stay on their phones even after they have begun driving. In addition, many cars, trucks, and SUVs now have sophisticated in-dash GPS and navigational systems that can distract drivers’ attention and cause them to focus on their screens more than the road.

STATE DISTRICTED DRIVING LAWS

There is currently a $124.00 fine for getting caught while driving while distracted in many states. The fine can increase to a larger amount if the driver causes a car accident. While there are exceptions to the rule that allow drivers to report criminal activity or call for emergency 911 help if there is an accident, these exceptions are not common and distracted driving crashes occur because the driver is on a cell phone, either talking or texting.

Therefore, in addition to receiving a fine, the distracted driver may also be sued and the driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying your medical bills, lost wages, if any, and pain and suffering.