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Distracted driving accidents are all too common, in South Carolina and throughout the United States. In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in distracted driving accidents, and an additional 424,000 people were injured. Many of these accidents occurred in South Carolina.
Distracted driving accidents have a devastating impact on the lives of those injured, and often on the lives of their loved ones. That is why Governor Haley passed a law banning texting while driving, one of the major sources of distracted driving. Unfortunately, the number of distracted drivers continues to grow, as does the number of accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, and you think that distracted driving might be a factor in your crash, it is important to discuss it with an experienced automobile accident attorney.
Distracted Driving Statistics
There are many different causes of distraction while driving, with texting and talking on a cell phone being common culprits. A researcher from the University of Utah conducted a study finding that talking on a cell phone while driving increases your accident risk fourfold. This is almost the same increase in risk as drunk driving. If texting while driving, the same study found the risk of an accident is eight times the normal risk.
In addition to texting or using a cell phone, causes of distracted driving include eating and drinking while in the car, putting on makeup or performing other grooming activities, reading maps or other documents, talking to passengers, using the navigation system, using the entertainment system, or watching a video. Daydreaming, “rubbernecking”, smoking, and interacting with pets in the car are also causes of distracted driving. Even though there are many causes of distracted driving, text messaging is the most dangerous, given the manual, cognitive, and visual attention it requires.
Damages Recoverable for Injuries Sustained in Distracted Driving Accidents
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you probably have many bills piling up. Accidents resulting from distracted driving often lead to severe bodily injury, which means that you require compensation for past, present and future medical bills. Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your car accident, you may also be eligible to recover damages for psychological and emotional damages. You likely lost work wages as a result of the accident, and may even be facing permanent disability and loss of income. The car accident may have caused damage to your personal property that is not covered by insurance.
Sometimes people other than those in the car are also damaged as a result of distracted driving accidents. For example, if a loved one was injured or killed in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to damages for loss of consortium and companionship with your loved one, or in the worst case scenario, for wrongful death and funeral-related expenses.
David Aylor Law Offices Can Help You
You need a qualified car accident attorney if you have been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving. You can call or email David Aylor Law Offices today for a free, no obligation consultation.