April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In 2022 there were an estimated 46,000 highway fatalities and many of those were a result of distracted driving. As our lives become busier and personal technology devices become more powerful, it’s up to each and every person behind the wheel to focus on the roadway and to ensure we can all travel safely!
Distracted driving is more than just holding a cell phone to your ear or texting with a friend. In fact, there are numerous ways that a driver could be distracted while behind the wheel. Eating, grooming, changing the car stereo station and even talking with passengers are all examples of distractions that could lead to an auto accident.
If you are seriously injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver, you may need to gather evidence in order to hold them accountable for distracted driving. This might be as simple as checking social media accounts to see if the distracted driver was posting at the time of the collision. Sometimes the car accident investigation will be more difficult requiring police or an attorney submit a legal request for cell phone records.
Investigating whether a driver was distracted takes more than just looking into mobile devices. Witnesses may have seen the driver eating or taking their eyes off the road while reaching for something moments before the collision. Dash cams in other vehicles or security cameras at nearby businesses or homes may have been pointed toward the crash scene. Witness statements and video footage can help you prove that the driver was distracted. An experienced attorney will gather the evidence to build your claim for fair compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages if you missed work and loss of consortium.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, then you should consult with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Cooney Law Offices. We can help explain your options and guide you through the recovery process.