The consequences of distracted driving can be great and their greatest impact can be felt by victims of distracted driving accidents. For that reason, it is useful for victims of distracted driving-related car accidents and their families to be familiar with the legal protections available to them and the help they can get when injured by a negligent distracted driving driver.
The consequences of distracted driving
There is a high incidence of injuries in distracted driving car accidents. Nearly four out of every five of the greater than 50,000 annual distracted driving car accidents resulted in injury. On average, approximately 27,000 victims are injured or killed because of distracted driving each year.
Because of the dangers of distracted driving, using handheld cell phones while driving is prohibited. In addition, texting while driving is prohibited as well. Distracted drivers can face fines and may also face civil liability to victims of distracted driving accidents. Drivers should take steps to avoid distracted driving. Drivers should pull over to the side of the road if they are drowsy, only use a cell phone when driving in emergency situations, avoid excessive conversations with passengers while driving and refrain from attempting to multi task while driving or eating while driving.
When a distracted driving has injured or otherwise harmed a car accident victim, a personal injury claim for damages could help the victim recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages. Legal protections can be vital for a car accident victim injured by a distracted driver.
