Over time, driving a car can start to feel like second nature. When this happens, it’s easy to forget that safe driving takes undivided attention. Distracted drivers pose a significant danger to themselves and others on the road in Wadesboro and across North Carolina. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,000 people died in distracted driving accidents nationwide in a single recent year.
If you got hurt in an accident with a distracted driver in Wadesboro, the attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, are ready to help you seek the money you deserve for your losses. Since our firm was founded more than 40 years ago, we’ve been helping injured people in Wadesboro recover the compensation they need after accidents. We know what it takes to get real results.
Contact our office today for a free and confidential case review with a Wadesboro distracted driving accident attorney.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs any time a driver allows their attention to wander away from the road and the safe operation of their vehicle. It could include taking their eyes off the road ahead, removing one or both hands from the steering wheel, or getting absorbed in mental distractions like daydreams.
Is Distracted Driving Illegal in Wadesboro?
Yes, it is illegal to text while driving in all of North Carolina. Texting while driving includes manually entering letters into a phone app and reading messages or emails on an electronic device. The law also prohibits motorists under 18 from talking on a cell phone while driving a vehicle. Texting and driving violations in Wadesboro can result in fines of up to $100.
It’s critical to note that civil liability for a distracted driving crash is a separate matter from traffic violations. It could still be possible to recover compensation from a distracted driver in a civil lawsuit even if they were acquitted on charges or never charged in the first place.
Common Causes and Types of Distracted Driving in Wadesboro
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize three key types of driving distractions:
- Visual distractions – The most common visual distraction is a cell phone screen. However, visual distractions include anything that diverts a driver’s eyes from the road.
- Manual distractions – Manual distractions occur when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel. Eating, drinking, texting, and grooming all fall under the umbrella of manual distractions.
- Cognitive distractions – Cognitive distractions are harder to spot. A cognitive distraction occurs when a driver’s mind wanders away from the task at hand. Daydreaming and operating on “autopilot” are typical examples of cognitive distractions.
Some of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents in Wadesboro include:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Texting, emailing, or messaging
- Eating and drinking
- Applying makeup, shaving, or grooming
- Reading
- Watching videos
- Using navigation systems
- Adjusting the radio or other vehicle controls
- Talking to passengers
- Tending to children or pets
Common Injuries from Distracted Driving Crashes in Wadesboro
When a distracted driving accident occurs, vehicle occupants and other victims can sustain severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Joint damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Emotional trauma
Options for Seeking Compensation for a Distracted Driving Accident
In most situations, the victim of a distracted driving accident can pursue compensation for their injuries by filing a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But if an insurance adjuster refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, you might need to file a personal injury lawsuit in court.
With a successful personal injury lawsuit, victims can seek financial compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Our experienced distracted driving accident attorneys can review your situation and calculate the full extent of your losses. We can then build a solid case to pursue maximum compensation from the distracted driver’s insurance coverage. If the insurance adjuster refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, we can pursue your claim in court if that becomes your best option.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents
Preventing distracted driving accidents can be as easy as storing your phone in a purse or glove box while driving. When you keep potential distractions out of reach, the temptation diminishes. You can also use apps designed to send automatic responses to others when you are driving and can’t reach the phone.
For young drivers, education is vital to preventing distracted driving accidents. If you have a teen driver, talk to them about the dangers and potential consequences of distracted driving. You might also want to limit the number of passengers allowed in your teen’s car to prevent excess chatter and distractions.
Other ways you can prevent distracted driving accidents in Wadesboro include:
- Refraining from eating or drinking on the road
- Pulling over to talk, text, or adjust your GPS
- Setting the radio before you start driving
- Limiting the number of passengers in the car
- Refraining from multitasking behind the wheel
Distracted Driving Statistics in Wadesboro, NC
In one recent year, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported 44,128 crashes on state roadways involving distracted driving. As a result of these accidents, at least 18,552 people were injured, and another 157 lost their lives. In another recent year, statistics indicated a record high in deadly car accidents in North Carolina, many caused by distracted drivers.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Distracted Driving Car Accident in Wadesboro
You probably already know what to do immediately following a Wadesboro car accident. First, you call the authorities. Next, you exchange information and seek medical attention for your injuries. However, you should also consider how your actions might affect your compensation claim. If you are hurt in a distracted driving accident, you should:
- Follow your doctor’s care plan.
- Keep records of all your medical bills and expenses.
- Keep track of any income losses.
- Start a pain journal.
- Stay off social media.
- Contact a car accident attorney at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC.
Talk to an Experienced Wadesboro Distracted Driving Lawyer
One distracted driver can change your life in an instant. If you were hurt in a distracted driving wreck in Wadesboro, get help from an experienced distracted driving attorney at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC. Our legal team is ready to answer your questions and explain your options.
Contact our office today to speak with an experienced Wadesboro distracted driving lawyer at no cost or obligation.
