Cell phones and other types of technology have revolutionized our lives and made communication easier. But they have also created new temptations behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA), distracted driving is one of the biggest threats to driver safety on the road today. This bad habit has caused “2,841 traffic accident fatalities in 2018 alone.”
A distracted driving accident can lead to serious injuries and a major stack of expenses. If you were hurt because someone else was not paying attention while driving, you might be entitled to compensation. One way to begin protecting your rights is by speaking with a distracted driving accident lawyer serving Reynoldsburg. We have been serving personal injury clients for more than 30 years. This means that our team knows how important it is for you to get the help you need during this stressful time.
Call Bressman Law to learn about your potential claim and how we can help you get the financial help you need. Dial (614) 538-1116 today.
There Are Many Different Types of Distracted Driving
When it comes to distracted driving, there are many different forms. Today’s vehicles come with so many bells and whistles that it can be overwhelming for drivers to figure out how to use them. This includes complex touchscreens that not only provide directions but link to your cell phone. These screens can display text messages, emails, and incoming phone numbers calling the driver’s phone. It is so much easier for drivers to take their attention off the road than it ever used to be.
Here are more examples of distracted driving that may have been involved in your injury accident:
Texting and Driving
So many people use texting as a primary method of communication these days. A driver often thinks they are only taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds to send a message, but that is all it takes for an accident to happen.
Eating and Drinking While Driving
Many of us are incredibly busy and find ourselves commuting long distances or spending mealtimes behind the wheel. Eating and drinking behind the wheel can sometimes become a distraction if the meal is messy or a drink spills, however.
Pets in the Vehicle
A dog or cat that is not secured properly in a vehicle can move around and create serious distractions for the driver. Even if a pet is secured, there is still a chance that the driver will pay more attention to their pet than the road.
Children in the Vehicle
Sometimes kids can become distractions for a driver if the children are crying, fighting, or want the driver’s attention. A parent may frequently turn around or talk to their child, which can take said parent’s attention away from the road ahead.
GPS Navigation Devices
The ability to follow directions on a cell phone or smart device has been a major help for most drivers. But if someone is not sure how to use the program or have trouble understanding the device’s directions, it can become a major distraction.
Talking with Passengers
If a passenger wants the driver to pay attention to them and makes frequent eye contact, this can create a driver’s conflict. If a passenger is engaged in telling a story, having an emergency, or otherwise taking the driver’s attention off the road, an accident can happen in the blink of an eye.
These are just a few examples of distracted driving activities that could have caused your accident to happen. There are other possible types of distracted driving. A distracted driving accident lawyer serving Reynoldsburg can help you analyze the accident and determine whether another person’s distracted driving was to blame. Call Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Ohio, call (614) 538-1116
How to Hold a Distracted Driver Responsible
A distracted driving accident can entitle a victim to file a personal injury claim. A few things a plaintiff has to prove in this type of claim before they can receive compensation. First, the plaintiff has to show that the defendant owed them a duty of care. Drivers all have a general duty to use reasonable care and skill on the road. This usually means that the driver is paying attention to the road and not spending more time focused on distractions.
Next, the plaintiff needs to show that the defendant did not drive according to the standard described above. Distracted driving usually falls into this category because a reasonably careful and skilled driver would not let themselves become distracted by texting, pets, children, or other things while driving. It is hard to keep your eyes on the road when you are reading an email or responding to a text message, for example.
A Lawyer Can Prove that the At-Fault Driver Is Liable for Your Injuries
The third step is showing that the defendant’s distracted driving caused the accident to happen. This is where consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you strengthen your claim. The lawyer can review the evidence and consult with experts to paint a picture of exactly how the defendant’s bad driving caused the accident to occur.
There are many different types of damages that you can recover if you are successful in proving your losses, including:
- Past and future estimated medical care costs,
- Lost earnings,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- And more.
Ohio Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer Near Me (614) 538-1116
Rely on Bressman Law to Help You in Your Time of Need
If you feel overwhelmed or confused about where to begin exploring your potential legal claim, Bressman Law can help. It is important to take action sooner rather than later. This is because the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years, according to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2305.10.
A distracted driving accident lawyer serving Reynoldsburg can assist you with many different parts of this process, including gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, negotiating with insurance companies, and making sure you understand what is happening. You are not required to pay us unless we win a settlement or a judgment in your favor.
To obtain your free and confidential consultation, call Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116.
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