Distracted Drivers Cause Serious Accidents Every Day
Distracted driving is a major cause of serious accidents every day. According to Ohio Revised Code § 4511.204, using a handheld electronic wireless communications device while driving is illegal. This applies to writing, sending, or reading text-based communications. “Novice drivers” who are younger than 18 are prohibited from using any mobile device while driving. Despite the known risks, accidents caused by distracted drivers in Toledo are still frequent. Injured victims can seek help from a car accident lawyer to obtain restitution.
Distracted driving contributes significantly to road accidents, which are one of the leading causes of deaths and injuries globally. Unfortunately, despite widespread awareness, many people still engage in activities that divert their attention from the road. The statistics related to distracted driving are alarming. According to recent statistics, distracted driving resulted in over 3,000 deaths in 2022 in the United States alone. This staggering figure highlights how dangerous and deadly distracted driving can be. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that approximately nine lives are lost each day, and over 1,000 people are injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers. These numbers highlight the high frequency of distracted driving and its negative impact on road safety.
Accidents Caused By Distracted Driving
1. Rear-end Collisions:
These accidents happen when a driver fails to stop in time and crashes into the back of a vehicle ahead. It can be caused by distractions like using a phone or adjusting the radio. To prevent rear-end collisions, maintain a safe following distance and always stay alert to the traffic in front.
2. Lane Departure Crashes:
This type of accident occurs when a driver drifts out of their lane, enters oncoming traffic, or goes off the road. Distractions like texting or using GPS can cause lane departure crashes. To avoid them, keep your focus on the road and use hands-free technology if necessary.
3. Side-impact or T-bone Collisions:
These accidents happen when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, colliding with a vehicle that has the right of way. Distracted driving, particularly from phone use, often leads to side-impact collisions. Always obey traffic signals and ensure clear visibility at intersections to prevent them.
4. Single-vehicle Accidents:
This type of accident occurs when a driver loses control and crashes into a stationary object, like a guardrail or telephone pole. Distracted driving, driving under the influence, or both can contribute to single-vehicle accidents. Stay attentive and avoid distractions to avoid such incidents.
Distracted driving reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents, resulting in serious injuries and wrongful deaths.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving – Common Injuries You Need to Know
Injuries resulting from distracted driving can have various forms and significant impacts on victims’ lives. They may vary depending on factors such as the point of impact on the victim’s vehicle, the speed at which the negligent driver was traveling, and the involvement of other vehicles or stationary objects. Common injuries caused by distracted driving include:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A severe injury caused by a blow to the head or body, resulting in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms. Symptoms include confusion, memory problems, loss of consciousness, and headaches. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, as a TBI can lead to permanent brain damage.
2. Broken Bones or Damaged Limbs: High-speed collisions can cause bone fractures and limb damage, sometimes requiring amputation. Victims need immediate medical attention to evaluate and treat the damage and may seek compensation for their medical bills if another driver’s negligence caused the accident.
3. Concussions: Common brain injuries resulting from a hit or jolt to the head, with symptoms including headaches, confusion, nausea, and memory problems. Medical attention is necessary to evaluate and address any concussion symptoms.
4. Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal injuries such as punctured organs, internal bleeding, and lung damage, which may not immediately show symptoms. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to assessing and treating any internal damage.
5. Rib and Wrist Injuries: Car accidents caused by distracted drivers commonly result in rib and wrist injuries, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily tasks. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent chronic pain and potential permanent damage.
Factors that Determine Your Injury Claim or Case
Your injury case is likely strong because the negligent driver who hit you was distracted and probably was ticketed (and later convicted) for this offense. If the driver broke state texting or other associated laws surrounding mobile device usage behind the wheel, your case likely can be so compelling that the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier could be eager to offer you a settlement.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a fair settlement if you don’t have a skilled car accident lawyer, like those with Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, representing you. Insurance companies are in the business of taking in premiums and working hard not to pay fair claim amounts. And they know how to wait you out, especially if you and your family need compensation as soon as possible. Often, they offer substandard settlements in hopes you’ll accept a lowball amount to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and wrongful death expenses, even if they know it won’t.
Our car accident law firm has protected the compensation rights of injured drivers and their families throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan for over 65 years. Contact us for a free consultation if you have been injured by a distracted driver at 419-843-6663 or fill out our online contact form.
