Recent research indicates that distracted driving is more dangerous than we realize, resulting in accidents that cause thousands of deaths every year. This reality is particularly frustrating for those who take precautions and find themselves involved in a crash due to another driver’s distraction. This post will dive into the reasons these distractions are so dangerous and legal remedies for those injured due to another driver’s negligence.
What does the research tell us?
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, and discussed in Scientific American, notes that distraction causes more than a failure to focus on driving during the distraction but for an additional thirty seconds after the distraction ends. The finding is significant as it means the length of time a distraction impacts safe driving is likely much longer than we realize.
Why is driving while distracted dangerous?
Distracted driving involves any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or even conversing with passengers. A recent viral video even shows the dangers of getting too into the music, catching the moment a young woman loses control of her vehicle while singing along to a Britney Spears song. While this woman was able to walk away from her crash and her flipped vehicle did not injure others, many do not have as positive of an outcome.
What legal remedies are available to victims of distracted driving accidents?
Thankfully, there are remedies available to those injured due to another driver’s negligence. This can include instances when the other driver’s distraction contributed to the crash. Remedies can include fines and penalties to the driver as well as monetary awards to the victims through a personal injury claim. This claim is important as the cost of medical treatment and vehicle replacement as well as the financial impact of any missed work due to the injuries can lead to serious monetary losses for the victim. There are time limits to moving forward with the claim, so it is important to review your options in a timely manner.