Cell phone use is often assumed to be the only type of distracted driving. While this action is one of the leading causes of car accidents, it isn't the only distraction drivers engage in behind the wheel.
At The Flood Law Firm, we aim to empower those injured by negligent driving behaviors with the information needed to confidently pursue a personal injury claim with the help of our Connecticut car accident attorneys.
By understanding the most common types of distractions while driving, you and our legal professionals can better identify the cause of an accident and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Distracted Driving Statistics
Statistics show that distracted driving behaviors contribute to tens of thousands of car accident injuries and thousands of fatalities.
Most of these accidents involve manual distractions, such as cell phone use, but visual and cognitive distractions also play a significant role.
While a driver of any age can engage in distracted driving, the most common age group for this behavior is young adults between the ages of 15 and 20.
Recent data also suggests that women are more likely to be distracted by other passengers or objects within the car, while men are more likely to be distracted by cell phone use.
Despite most states having strict laws against distracted driving behaviors, negligent actions continue to reach epidemic proportions.
Holding those responsible accountable for their actions can prevent future accidents and promote safer driving habits.
Common Distracted Driving Behaviors
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions are those that cause a driver to take their hands off the wheel, such as:
- Texting or using a cell phone
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting the radio or navigation system
- Grooming or applying makeup
- Interacting with passengers, especially children
Despite the cardinal rule of never taking your hands off the wheel, manual distractions still cause car accidents.
When you are injured due to this type of distracted driving behavior, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions cause a driver to take their eyes off the road.
This can include:
- Checking or using a cell phone
- Reading a map or directions
- Gazing at something outside of the window
- Looking at passengers or objects within the car
Not looking at the road for even a second can have dire consequences.
Unfortunately, many drivers engage in this type of behavior and cause accidents that result in serious injuries.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions cause a driver to lose focus on the task of driving.
This can include:
- Daydreaming or being lost in thought
- Talking on the phone, even if using hands-free technology
- Listening to music or an audiobook too loudly
- Engaging in deep or emotional conversations with passengers
- Fatigue or drowsiness
Though cognitive distractions seem commonplace in everyday life, they can be extremely dangerous when driving. Even a split second of lost focus can lead to an accident with lasting consequences.
Where Do Distracted Driving Accidents Occur Most Often?
A distracted driving accident can occur anywhere.
However, there are certain areas where these behaviors are more common, such as:
- Intersections where drivers may be more likely to check their phone or get distracted by other cars
- Highways where drivers may feel the need to multitask while driving long distances
- Residential areas where drivers may feel a false sense of security and engage in more distractions
- School zones where drivers may be focused on their children or students instead of the road
- Parking lots where a driver may be tempted to use their phone or engage in other distractions while driving at a slower speed
No matter where the car accident occurs, distracted driving is never acceptable. If you've been injured in one of these or another location due to distracted driving behaviors, seek out the help of experienced car accident attorneys.
What Type of Car Accidents Does Distracted Driving Cause?
Rear-End Collisions
This is the most common type of accident caused by distracted driving. It is most commonly caused by those engaging in visual or cognitive distractions, as they do not see the vehicle in front of them come to a stop.
Even rear-end collisions at slow speeds can cause serious injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment. Injured parties should not have to bear the financial burden of these costs when another's distracted driving caused the accident.
Side-Impact Collisions
Distracted drivers risk causing a side impact or T-bone collision. These accidents can occur at intersections, stop signs, or anywhere a driver may fail to yield.
The devastation caused by side-impact collisions at high speeds can be catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are frequent on highways and roads with sharp turns. They can happen when a driver loses control of their vehicle due to manual or visual distractions.
These are particularly dangerous because they often involve multiple cars and can cause severe injuries to drivers and passengers. Despite strict laws against distracted driving, these accidents continue to occur all too often.
When they happen to you, trust an experienced car accident lawyer to recover maximum compensation from the at-fault party.
Pedestrian Accidents
Several thousand pedestrian deaths each year are a result of distracted driving, and many more are injured.
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to distracted drivers due to their lack of protection.
Injuries sustained in these accidents can be severe and life-altering, making it crucial to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclist injuries caused by distracted drivers are increasing at an alarming rate.
Drivers distracted by their phones or other objects may not see a cyclist sharing the road, causing serious accidents and injuries for the rider.
If you've been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a distracted driver, seek legal help to protect your right to compensation for someone else's negligence.
How Do I Know if the Other Driver Was Distracted?
It isn't always easy to tell when the driver who hit you was engaged in distracted driving behaviors.
However, signs that may indicate this was the case include:
- Inconsistent or erratic driving patterns
- Swerving or drifting out of their lane
- Rear-ending another vehicle without braking or slowing down
- Not noticing traffic signals or stop signs
Additionally, you may be able to tell directly at the scene. Distracted drivers in shock from the accident often say, "I didn't see you" or "I was checking my phone."
These statements can be used as evidence in your personal injury case and bolster your claim for compensation.
How Do I Hold Distracted Drivers Financially Accountable for Their Actions?
The best way to hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions is by seeking legal representation from an experienced car accident attorney. With their help, you can gather evidence to support your case and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
Some of the ways a lawyer can help prove that a distracted driver injured you:
- Obtaining phone records for calls or texts made during the time of the accident
- Gathering eyewitness testimony or security camera footage from the area
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine causation and fault
By taking legal action against distracted drivers, you seek justice for yourself and help prevent future accidents caused by this dangerous behavior.
Distracted driving is a choice, and you can hold those who make it accountable for their actions.
What Injuries Do Distracted Drivers Cause?
Distracted driving can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-altering conditions.
Some common injuries caused by distracted drivers include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Facial or dental injuries
Injuries sustained in distracted driving accidents can require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
They can also result in significant pain and suffering, emotional distress, and financial burdens.
In the event of these accidents, you must seek legal help from an experienced car accident attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages.
How Much is a Distracted Driving Car Accident Worth?
There is no set standard of compensation for distracted driving car accidents, as each case is unique, and the amount of damages can vary greatly.
Factors that may influence the value of a car accident claim include:
- Severity of injuries
- Level of negligence on the part of the other driver
- Impact on daily life and activities
Based on these factors, you may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages that include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including ER Treatment, surgeries, medications, and therapy
- Lost wages and future lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings damaged in the accident
- Funeral and burial costs if the accident resulted in death
Those who hire an attorney to help pursue compensation from the at-fault party are more likely to have all of these damages and losses included in a personal injury claim.
Distracted Driving FAQs
Why do I need a lawyer after a distracted driving car accident?
Having a lawyer on your side can greatly increase the chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced attorney will have experience handling similar cases and know how to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
In some states, you may still be able to seek compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can help minimize your level of fault and fight for the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.
How long do I have to file a claim after a distracted driving accident?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident in Connecticut is two years. Though this seems like a long time, you must seek legal help as soon as possible to gather all necessary evidence and protect your rights.
Is fatigued driving a form of distracted driving?
Fatigued driving is a cognitive distraction. It impairs attention and reaction time, making drivers more likely to cause an accident.
Who is at fault in a distracted driving accident?
The at-fault party in a distracted driving accident is typically the driver engaging in distracted behaviors during the crash. To hold the at-fault party accountable, you must hire a lawyer to establish their negligence and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Trust The Flood Law Firm to Recover Maximum Compensation After a Distracted Driving Car Accident
Being hit by a distracted driver can leave you with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. However, with the help of the experienced car accident attorneys from The Flood Law Firm, you can avoid bearing these burdens alone.
Get a free case evaluation online to learn more about how a Connecticut personal injury attorney from our team can help you hold distracted drivers accountable for their negligent actions.
