Although manufacturers are making the safest vehicles to date, drivers continue to make roads dangerous. Today, drivers are more and more distracted as they drive. This diverts the driver’s attention from the road and makes it more likely to cause an accident. Distracted driving has increased the number of accidents.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Electronic devices such as smartphones and GPS navigation often cause distracted driving accidents, driving distractions are not limited to electronics. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (distraction.gov) defines distracted driving as any activity that causes you to “take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off your primary task: driving safely.”
Why Is Distracted Driving Dangerous?
Distracted driving diverts drivers’ focus from the road. As a result, the driver is more likely to cause an accident. The driver may not notice a hazard, may not have enough time to stop, or may fail to safely operate a vehicle.
Accidents caused by distracted driving can result in serious injury or death. Reports indicate that distracted driving results in about 5,000 fatalities each year. Non-fatal accidents that result from distracted driving can still cause serious injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head or brain trauma
- Broken bones
- Lacerations or contusions
Many of these injuries can result in serious, lasting consequences.
Spinal cord injuries may cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Paralysis may affect localized areas or the entire body. Spinal cord injuries can completely alter the course of a victim’s life (and perhaps that of family and friends).
Head trauma, which can easily damage the brain, may impair an individual’s cognitive abilities. This may hurt the individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks, requiring adjustments to the victim’s routines.
Other injuries can result in significant pain, additional complications, and may force a person to make difficult accommodations.
Am I Entitled to Compensation From Distracted Drivers?
A distracted driver fails to behave like a reasonably prudent person would while driving. Instead, a distracted driver breaches the duty of care to drive safely, and that puts you at risk in the process. This makes distracted driving a form of negligence. Thus, if an accident caused by a distracted driver injured you, Virginia law may entitle you to compensation for the injuries you sustained.
Keep detailed records of your costs and expenses. This will prove instrumental in helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Richmond Auto Accident Attorney
You may be entitled to compensation if you are involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver. First, seek medical attention. Once you have recovered from your injuries, seek legal counsel to help you recover just compensation. The legal team of Emroch & Kilduff is committed to providing you with the legal assistance you need and deserve. Let us discuss your case with you. Schedule your consultation by calling (804) 358-1568 or contact us online today.
