Being distracted can make drivers less aware of their surroundings, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. They are also less attentive to the laws that apply to speed limits and junction controls.
If you have sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an accident involving a distracted driver, you could be entitled to pursue compensation. Reach out to the experienced auto collision attorneys at our firm, and find out what a Springfield distracted driving accident lawyer can do to help.
Distracted Drivers Kill on Average Nine People Every Day
The influence of technology and electronic devices such as cell phones has contributed to a rise in distraction-related accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of nine people are killed and a thousand more injured due to crashes involving distracted driving every day.
Motorists should drive with sufficient awareness of their vehicles’ surroundings and control to maintain a reasonable safety margin allowing for unexpected events. This means continually monitoring the road ahead and the traffic environment, and the behavior of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
When a driver engages in other activities while driving, their attention is diverted from the actions needed for safe driving. Distracted driving can be classified into the following categories:
Visual distraction
Typically, when a driver looks away from the road to engage in a secondary activity inside the vehicle (such as changing the radio station or using a sat-nav or cell phone, for example). The distraction could also be caused by an event or person outside of the vehicle.
Cognitive or mental distraction
Drivers can become inattentive when their mind is engaged with other tasks that affect their ability to drive safely, such as thinking about something, emotions, or stress.
Manual distraction
This type of distraction happens when a driver takes one or both hands off the vehicle controls to do something unnecessary or required for safe driving, such as answering a cell phone or eating.
Auditory distraction
When a driver is distracted by noise, it can be combined with other distractions. An example could be changing a radio station where the driver takes their hand away from the controls (manual distraction) and is visually and mentally distracted at the same time.
How an Attorney Will Support Your Injury Claim
When another person causes you harm through negligence, you can hold the at-fault party accountable for the accident and submit a personal injury claim for the economic and non-economic damages to help with your recovery and the financial impact of the accident.
Working with a distracted driving accident attorney can help you gather all the necessary elements required to build a highly detailed case, achieved by:
- Providing a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident.
- Gathering evidence to support your claim such as CCTV footage, for example.
- Collecting witness statements and police reports.
- Proving negligence and liability.
- Estimating the full impact of the accident financially.
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Reviewing settlement offers.
- Representing you in court, when necessary.
Being involved in a collision with a distracted driver can change your life in a heartbeat, whether you are another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. Some cases result in serious life-changing injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Victims are left facing a very different future, having to make significant changes to the way they live, unable to work while recovering (and possibly permanently in some circumstances), which brings added financial pressure as a consequence of losing a salary.
A Springfield distracted driving crash attorney can help you get your life back on track and pursue your compensation for you. While no amount of money can make up for the physical and emotional trauma of being in a severe accident, it can help ease the financial burden, often accompanying such an event.
Leading Causes of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to ignore basic safety rules, and other motorists and pedestrians suffer the consequences. According to the Safety Resource Center, the primary causes of distracted driving include:
- Using a cell phone
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Other passengers
- Using in-car technology
- External distractions
- Driver’s being distracted mentally or “lost in thought.”
- Tiredness and fatigue
If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident caused by another person driving inattentively, the simplest way to determine if you have a claim is to take advantage of a free case evaluation. You can discuss your situation and receive advice about your legal options, such as:
- Informing you about your rights
- Offering information about possible courses of legal action
It can be beneficial to seek this information as soon as possible, to give you enough time to build a robust case as there are restrictions for submitting claims imposed by the Illinois statute of limitations. If you let the statute expire before filing a lawsuit, you will likely be unable to prosecute your claim.
Currently, Illinois law generally grants you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. There are exceptions to this rule, so if you have questions or concerns about how to proceed with your claim, speak with a Springfield distracted driver car collision attorney to find out more.
Learn How a Distracted Driving Attorney Can Help You Today
Our distracted driving collision lawyers in Springfield are here to fight for the compensation you deserve and will support you through this challenging time as quickly as possible. If you or a loved one sustained severe injuries caused by a distracted driver, we could help you recover compensation in lieu of:
- Current and ongoing medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay any costs until we achieve a verdict or settlement on your behalf. Let us put our experience, knowledge, and resources to work for you. Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC for a free case evaluation with a committed Springfield distracted driving lawyer. We are here happy to answer your legal questions and can offer advice about getting your claim started today.
(312) 223-1700