The month of April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is a serious danger on the roadways and can lead to car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents, all with devastating consequences for victims and their families. Because of the serious concern of distracted driving, it is important to be familiar with what is considered to be “distracted driving” and what to do if harmed by a distracted driver.
Distracted driving should not be taken lightly. In 2010, more than 3,000 victims were killed and 146,000 were injured in distracted driving-related accidents. Negligent and distracted drivers who injure others may be liable to compensate victims for the harm they suffer. Victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages through a personal injury claim for damages again the distracted driver.
Distracted driving includes a variety of activities that removes the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway. In addition, sometimes distracted driving behaviors, depending on the behavior that is being engaged in, may also remove the driver’s eyes from the roadway or hands from the steering wheel. Distracted driving behaviors include: texting while driving; talking on a cell phone while driving; operating a radio or navigation device while driving; engaging in conversation with passengers while driving; grooming while driving; eating and drinking while driving; and other behaviors as well. Distracted driving can result in serious accidents.
Distracted drivers are dangerous on the roadway and should be held accountable when they injure victims. The legal process provides options and remedies to do that and ensure that victims of distracted drivers are protected.
