How Many Fatalities does Distracted Driving Cause? Lafayette Injury Lawyer Investigates

Driver error contributes to the vast majority of auto accidents. Although most drivers understand the dangers of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol, many underestimate the risk of distracted driving.

In less than a second, a distracted-driving accident can cause immense property damage, life-changing injuries and worse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these wrecks often involve:

• Cell phones and electronic devices;
• Passengers;
• Eating and drinking;
• Exterior distractions such as accident scenes and billboards;
• And reaching for an object inside the vehicle.

If you were injured by a drunk, distracted or otherwise negligent driver, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A Lafayette accident lawyer can evaluate your wreck, talk to witnesses and determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Here are the answers to five distracted driving FAQs:

How Many Injuries and Fatalities does Distracted Driving Cause?

According to Distraction.gov, 3,179 people died and 431,000 were injured in accidents involving distracted drivers in 2014.

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What Constitutes Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs any time you take your hands off the steering wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off the task of driving. You should avoid any activity that is not directly linked to the process of driving.

The most dangerous distractions are those that inhibit your mental, physical and visual abilities. Examples include texting behind the wheel and observing accident scenes.

Who Are the Most Common Offenders?

Young and inexperienced drivers are most at risk of distracted driving. Sixteen percent of all distracted-driving crashes involve drivers younger than 20.

It is important to remember that anyone is at risk of distracted driving. In fact, more than 660,000 people are using cell phones while driving at any given daylight moment.

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Is It Safe to Use a Hands-Free Device to Make and Receive Calls?

Using a hands-free device to make calls can be just as dangerous as other forms of distracted driving. You may wind up in a crash you could have avoided because you missed an important audible or visual cue.

Is It Safe to Use a Hands-Free Device to Make and Receive Calls?

If you are in an accident with a distracted driver, you may have grounds for an injury claim. The at-fault driver might be liable for your health-care bills, time off work and other losses.

However, making a successful claim is rarely straightforward. The at-fault party may deny liability, or the insurance company might offer an unfair settlement. Winning your case may require strong evidence in the form of witness testimonies, photographs, a police report, doctor’s records and other documents.

A Lafayette injury attorney from Morris Bart, LLC can guide you through the claims process. We can help you avoid mistakes such as signing a general release, or unknowingly admitting fault. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 800-537-8185.

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