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Many cars we pass on the roads have drivers that, at some point, have driven in a distracted manner. It is one of the most common things drivers do to compromise their safety and that of everyone else on the road.
With the advent of texting, distracted driving has skyrocketed. Texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to get in a crash compared to driving when not distracted, according to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
If a distracted driver has caused you or your loved ones harm, we urge you to contact a car accident lawyer at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. Based in Wilmington, our comprehensive personal injury law firm is committed to helping families in Wilmington, North Carolina who have suffered major injuries as a result of careless behavior.
Types of Distracted Driving
Throughout the years, our distracted driving accident attorneys have assisted clients injured in car accidents caused by distracted drivers who were:
- Taking care of children
- Texting or talking on cellphones
- Letting their minds wander
- Adjusting the radio
- Eating or drinking
- Influenced by drugs or alcohol
When we sit in the driver’s seat, there are many things that we must pay attention to in order to drive, and many things try to take our attention away from driving.
In general, anything that causes distracted driving will fall into one or more categories:
- Cognitive Distraction: Anything that causes the mind of the driver to transfer attention away from the road. Holding a conversation with another passenger, listening to the radio, or even thinking about your personal problems can all cause distracted driving.
- Visual Distraction: Whenever we move our eyes off the road, it can quickly lead to a dangerous situation. A visual distraction involves anything that causes the drivers to look away from the road. This can include a quick look at your GPS system to peering around your floor for an item you may have dropped.
- Manual Distraction: Drivers should always have both hands on the wheels when on the road. When something requires you to remove one or both hands, like eating a sandwich, drinking soda, or fumbling around for your wallet, this is called a manual distraction.
Distracted driving is a significant factor in most crashes. Up to 80% of accidents and 16% of all highway deaths are thought to be caused by distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
When one study’s participants were given the task of answering general knowledge true-or-false questions while driving, researchers found there was decreased brain activity in the regions that control spatial attention and spatial processing. The human brain works very hard when we drive—it requires visual, auditory, and motor control. When drivers are doing a secondary task, such as texting, having a conversation, or pressing buttons on the radio, the brain areas that must be used to drive safely are not activated. In essence, multitasking will always make you less able to drive in a safe manner.
State law prohibits drivers from using a mobile device to manually text. In addition, it prohibits drivers from reading emails, text messages, or anything else on these devices. Exceptions do apply for drivers who safely stop or park their vehicles, as well as those performing their duty as a member of law enforcement, fire department, or emergency response. The use of GPS and voice-operated “hands-free” mobile functions are allowed.
North Carolina Bans Texting While Driving
School bus drivers are prohibited from using mobile telephones and other related technology, except in situations where there are medical, public safety, or mechanical concerns. This law applies to both public and private bus drivers and carries with it an additional restriction of any voice or hands-free functions.
Our Wilmington personal injury law office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request. We offer Spanish interpretation and translation services
What Happens After a Distracted Driving Accident?
Being the victim of an accident with a distracted driver can have long-lasting consequences. Depending on the severity of the crash, you may have to contend with steep medical expenses, physical rehabilitation, lost income, and other things that make it impossible for you to return to your previous life.
Following an accident, many victims will automatically choose to go through their insurance company to receive their financial compensation. While this may work out in some situations, it’s important to note that insurance companies are more concerned with their ability to make a profit than giving you the compensation you deserve. In order to ensure that your rights are protected, it’s best to work with an experienced Wilmington distracted driving attorney. You may be able to receive financial compensation that covers all your medical bills, makes up for any lost earnings, and even helps you deal with any emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Our Promise to You
Texting & Driving Is Dangerous — We Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
While technology has its advantages, the use of electronic devices—specifically cellphones—while operating a car or truck can leave people injured or dead. Investigations require a thorough review and analysis of cellphone records. The process is complicated, especially when cellphone companies do not keep adequate records of a customer’s activities. That’s where our car accident attorneys can help. While we recognize that no amount of compensation can take away the pain you or your family member has endured, filing a claim can help to ease the financial burdens.
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