Cell Phones – A Major Reason for Road Accidents

\"keys-icon-32x32\"Cell Phones – A Major Reason for Road Accidents – Nowadays, cell phones have become a major reason for auto accidents. According to a 2011 research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in every 5 crashes that involved injured passengers was due to distracted driving.

Distracted driving has become a major problem and has become quite commonplace around the globe. Even a second of diverted attention can delay driver reaction time and cause a major road accident, leading to personal injury and auto accident claims. Operating any kind of vehicle requires concentration and focus. Studies have shown that the part of the brain used while driving is also used for cell phone usage. Therefore, dividing the same cognitive function between two activities can be disastrous.

When using a cell phone while driving, a driver will usually be distracted from the road. The key distractions include:

  • Eyes not being on the road
  • Hands off the steering wheel
  • Reduced concentration
  • Delayed response time
  • Lane changes or last-minute turnings
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Impaired cognitive skills
  • Barely missed pedestrians and bicycles on the road
  • Overlooking checking blind spots

Other than cell phones, drivers are usually distracted when they talk with other passengers in the car, play loud music or try to fiddle with the car’s music system, eat or drink while driving, or smoke.

Liability for Auto Accidents Due to Distracted Driving

Under personal injury laws, distracted or negligent drivers are liable to pay for any damages caused due to driving while using their cell phones. The laws require such drivers to compensate the injured victim for the following:

Property Damage – This includes the cost required to get the car repaired. If the state of the car is beyond repair, payment of its fair market value is necessary. It may also include compensation for damage to personal property like jewelry, gadgets, clothing, etc.

Medical Expenses – This includes expenses like emergency care, doctors’ bills, physical therapy, hospital bills, medications and prescription drugs and chiropractic treatment.

Loss of Income – The injured may not be able to work for a while so the compensation may also include income loss of the injured person.

Pain and Suffering – The trauma, emotional distress, mental anguish and pain due to the accident are intangible losses that cannot be lessened. However, these intangible losses can be compensated under personal injury law.

Why Should You Get an Attorney?

Auto accidents are complicated and without having relevant knowledge and experience, you will not be able to claim for your loss. Attorneys are experts in the field and will be able to negotiate with insurance companies to get you the best settlement deal for your injuries. Therefore, it is best to hire an auto accident or personal injury attorney to handle your case.

To find competent and skilled attorneys, contact Rick Keys at Keys Law Offices.

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