https://www.comparelawsuitloans.com/motor-vehicle-crash-statistics/Driver error causes most accidents, but what does that actually mean? Driving errors is such a broad topic, but distracted driving more commonly leads to accidents. According to the NHTSA, 3,142 lives were lost in 2019 due to distracted driving accidents.
If you’ve been harmed in an accident because of a distracted driver, then you may be entitled to damages. Distracted driving attorneys understand the importance of consulting with car accident lawyers to recover your damages, protect your rights, and seek retribution for your life-changing accident.
Thousands of individuals suffer injuries each year in automobile accidents involving distracted drivers. What causes these distractions? Individuals have had accidents while changing the radio or trying to read while driving, among other reasons.
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What are the causes of distracted driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention away from driving. Accidents have happened due to the following distracted driving practices:
Texting and Driving
Using the cell phone to talk or text while driving is by far the most common reason for distracted driving accidents. The National Safety Council reports that 26% of car crashes involve cell phones. Putting your phone away or into “hands-free” car mode while driving may help you prevent these types of distractions while driving.
GPS
Many of us have become dependent on GPS for navigation purposes while driving. Taking your attention away from the road to monitor or change your GPS settings can be dangerous. Safe driving professionals suggest mounting your GPS where it is easy to see and listening for directions versus trying to watch the screen constantly.
Eyes Off The Road
There are a number of different reasons why someone might take their eyes off the road. Rubbernecking, looking for a specific street number, or talking to other drivers can lead to lapses in attention that cause accidents. Losing your focus for a second doesn’t seem like a dangerous act, but looking away from the road can make an accident more likely.
Grooming and Makeup
Many individuals see their morning and evening commutes as an opportunity to put the finishing touches on their look. This can include adding lipstick, combing their hair, or even using deodorant. These activities that take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road can easily lead to distracted driving accidents.
Speaking With Others
Sometimes when drivers have passengers in their car, they may forget to pay attention to the road because they’re so engulfed in conversation. Looking at a passenger may feel like the right thing to do, but it’s one of the worst things you can do while driving. It’s okay to table the discussion until you finish driving if you feel you need to make eye contact.
Handling children or pets
Driving with your pet loose in the vehicle can be dangerous for you and them. Sadly, when pets move around in your car, they become distractions. Children in the car can also be a distraction due to their complaining, need for attention, and horseplay. You won’t be able to always leave home without your children, but remember to keep them safe, you need to devote as much of your attention to the road as possible.
Distracted Driving Injuries
So what should you do if you’ve been injured by someone who was driving distracted? One of the most important things to remember when you’re injured in an accident, you should report it to the police, seek medical care, keep track of your expenses, and get contact information from witnesses if you can.
Distracted driving lawyers always suggest reaching out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. It is very important to speak with your chosen car crash injury lawyer before beginning the insurance settlement process. Your injury accident legal firm can make sure that you receive the just compensation you deserve.
