How Distracted Driving Can Lead to a Traffic Accident
There are many types of distracted driving, but they can broadly be divided into three categories: visual, manual and cognitive. Any one of these distractions can lead to a traffic collision, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. A personal injury lawyer can assist someone injured by a distracted driver in obtaining compensation.
What Are the Different Types of Distracted Driving?
Visual distractions remove the driver’s eyes from the road. Manual distractions remove the driver’s hands from the wheel. Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mind off the task of driving. All three types of distraction are dangerous and increase the risk of an accident. Here are some examples of each type of distraction:
Visual Distractions
- Looking at a GPS device
- Reading a map
- Looking at passengers in the car
- Looking at objects outside the car
- Rubbernecking (looking at accidents or other interesting sights)
Manual Distractions
- Texting
- Eating or drinking
- Fiddling with the radio or other controls in the car
- Reaching for objects in the car
- Grooming (brushing hair, applying makeup, etc.)
Cognitive Distractions
- Daydreaming
- Thinking about something other than driving
- Talking to passengers in the car
- Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
Even a Few Seconds of Distraction Can Lead to a Serious Traffic Accident
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a factor in about 16 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the United States. The NHTSA also reports that sending or reading a text message while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times. The American Automobile Association reports that removing your eyes from the road for two seconds doubles your crash risk.
Types of Distracted Driving Crashes
There are three main types of traffic crashes that can be caused by driving while distracted: rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes and single-vehicle accidents. They include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident caused by distractions. They often happen when a driver is not paying attention and doesn’t see the car in front of them stopped or slowing down.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, can be very serious because they often result in head injuries. They occur when a driver runs a red light or stop sign and hits another car that is crossing their path.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: Single-vehicle accidents are usually caused by driver inattention. These types of accidents can happen when a driver veers off the road, hits a guardrail or strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation After a Distracted Driver Causes Your Injury Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you might obtain compensation for your lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence and build a strong case against the responsible party.
Olinde Law Firm: Obtaining the Compensation You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at the Olinde Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. You can reach us at (800) 587-1889 or locally here in New Orleans at (504) 587-1440. If you prefer, we can be reached online.