Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
A car accident can change your life in an instant, hitting you and your family with physical, financial, and emotional hardships. If a distracted driver caused the accident that injured you or a loved one, the person responsible should be held accountable. The distracted driving accident lawyers at NST Law have the experience, skill, and resources to fight for justice and recover the compensation you deserve.
Fatalities caused by distracted driving accidents are rising nationwide, increasing by 12 percent from 2020 to 2021. When drivers choose to text or send emails on their cellphones, eat or drink, talk too much to their passengers, or play with their car’s navigation systems, it creates unsafe driving conditions that may cause an accident. Distractions lower drivers’ response time and pull their focus off the road.
If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in a distracted driving accident, turn to a trusted law firm to explain your rights and help you navigate the legal process. The dedicated, compassionate, and skilled attorneys at NST Law know how to get maximum compensation for your injuries and suffering. Get the justice you deserve with a distracted driving lawyer at NST Law.
Table Of Contents
Hiring NST Law for a Distracted Driving Lawsuit
A car crash can have devastating results for victims and their loved ones. When accident injuries prevent you from working, unpaid medical bills can pile up while insurance companies minimize your claims.
At NST Law, our trusted team of distracted driving accident attorneys are Champions for the Injured. We understand your struggles and have extensive experience handling reckless driving car accident cases. We offer:
- An extensive record of successful claims, with over $2 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts
- A personalized and supportive approach as you go through this difficult time
- Resources, technology, and proven legal strategies to build strong cases
- Decades of experience in personal injury law and car accident claims
- Deep involvement in the communities we serve
Legal Implications of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving led to 3,522 deaths in 2021 alone, accounting for 8.2 percent of all traffic fatalities that year. Drivers must obey traffic laws and exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle. When they fail to do so, the consequences could be severe.Â
If a distracted driver hurt you or a loved one, you’ll need to prove their liability and the following elements of their negligence to recover damages:
Breach of Duty:Â A driver violates their duty to others on the road by allowing themselves to become distracted.
Causation: The driver’s careless or reckless actions caused a car accident and harm to their passengers and others on the road.
Different types of driver distractions increase the risk of an accident: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. The following are some of the most common sources of distraction:
1. Texting and Emailing
Despite continued warnings against it, cellphone use appears to be rising among drivers. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reported that handheld cellphone use while driving at any point during the day more than doubled from 2011 to 2020, with the highest rate—4.2 percent—among younger drivers ages 16 to 24.Â
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sending or reading a text while driving 55 miles per hour is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
2. Using Social Media
Checking social media has become habitual for some people. Some people become so emotionally invested in social media content that they prioritize it over safe driving. Checking social media is just like any other distraction from driving, shifting focus away from the road and other cars.Â
3. Eating and Drinking
Drivers who eat or drink may take their hands off the steering wheel. These distractions take the driver’s mind and hands off what they’re supposed to be concentrating on, which can create unsafe conditions.
4. Grooming
If a driver is applying makeup, combing their hair, or performing other grooming activities while driving, they could be liable for damages caused by an accident.
5. Passenger Interaction
Passengers in the vehicle also create cognitive distractions, which can cause a driver to overlook hazardous conditions on the road.
Navigating the Legal Process for Distracted Driving
The process of claiming compensation after a distracted driving accident is complex if you don’t have any legal experience. The steps involved include the following:
- Reporting the Accident
Victims should call the police to report the crash and make an official record of the accident. The police report is often the foundation for a successful claim.
- Get Medical Care
If you have injuries or suspect you might be injured, seek medical attention immediately. Follow the instructions of all emergency personnel, including following up with your primary doctor if told to do so.Â
It’s critical to seek treatment immediately after an accident to document your injuries, even if they only appear minor. Sometimes, injuries are not readily apparent, but a doctor can properly diagnose you and provide the appropriate treatment.
- Gathering Evidence
A reputable law firm familiar with car accident lawsuit processes will run a full investigation and collect all evidence to support your claim. This evidence includes but isn’t limited to the following:Â
- Available images or videos of the crash
- Property damage, debris, and physical evidence
- Witness statements and testimony
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Phone records and data if cell phone use is the suspected distraction
- Contacting Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are often familiar with car accident lawsuit processes. If you don’t have legal representation, the opposing insurance company may pressure you to accept less than you deserve. At NST Law, we aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure they pay the maximum for your claim.
- Valuing Your Damages
Part of the legal claims process is knowing the total value of your financial losses, which include the following:
- Current medical bills
- Future health care costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Property damage
But your losses are not limited to finances only, and you deserve to seek damages for your pain and suffering and mental anguish. Some car accident victims go through post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms that affect their quality of life, and they deserve compensation for this.
- Establishing Negligence
NST Law’s distracted driver attorneys build a strong case by proving all the elements of negligence, including how the other driver failed to drive safely and how their actions caused your injuries.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement Amount
Insurance companies are well-versed in handling car accident lawsuits. But we understand their tactics and tricks to minimize claims. If the opposing insurance company denies your claim or offers less than you deserve, we can counter the offer and fight for a fair amount.Â
- Taking the Case to Trial
The attorneys at NST Law are well-prepared to try your case in court. Our track record of successful verdicts has helped clients get back on their feet.
After an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you need time and space to focus on your recovery. Working with an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer at NST Law means you leave the legal fight to us. We’ll guide you through the process and offer support as you rebuild your life. Even if the negligent driver leaves the scene, our attorneys will gather evidence that proves fault and puts you in a position to claim compensation.
Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
There are several steps everyone can take to prevent distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests the following:
- Encouraging peers never to drive while distracted
- Sharing messages on social media about the importance of avoiding distracted driving
- Setting an example for younger generations by staying alert and focused when driving
- Educating students and employees on the dangers of distracted driving
- Supporting laws and initiatives that could prevent reckless driving
More vehicles come equipped with intuitive safety and assistance technology that help drivers avoid hazards, including forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings. Drivers can also download specially designed apps to keep them focused on the road. For example, some apps may block calls, texts, and alerts once a driver reaches a certain speed.Â
At NST Law, we’ve seen what reckless driving can do and are committed to raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Contact us to learn more.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Distracted Driving Lawyer
Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and painful injuries after a distracted driving car accident is overwhelming. But with skilled and resourceful legal representation by your side, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney pursues the maximum compensation for your case.Â
Looking for a trusted law firm to represent you in a distracted driving accident case? Look no further than NST Law. Our experienced distracted driving accident lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case. Don’t wait. Call NST Law now.Â
Distracted Driving FAQs
There are three categories of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Looking at your GPS, changing the radio station, and daydreaming all fall into one of these groups.Â
Distracted driving has fatal consequences and injures thousands of people every year. It’s crucial to pay attention to the road and obey traffic laws if you plan to drive.
Common causes of distracted driving are texting, emailing, social media, electronic gadgets, eating, grooming, and passenger interaction. Many of these causes are connected to cellphone use.
Simply committing to safe driving can make a big difference. Put your cell phone out of reach or use a driving app that silences notifications while driving. Also, setting an example for your friends and family can motivate you to avoid distractions.
Distracted driving laws vary by state, but most states restrict the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle. Also, drivers have a legal duty to drive safely. If they violate that duty, there may be legal consequences.
Penalties for texting while driving differ for each state. For example, using a handheld electronic device while driving in Tennessee is a Class C misdemeanor and moving traffic violation.
If you’re in the car with a distracted driver, speak up and ask the person to stay focused. When you spot a distracted driver on the road, call 911 to report them if possible.
You can use hands-free devices to keep both hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. However, remember to stay alert and minimize distractions.
Having an open and honest conversation with your teen about safe driving can help them understand the dangers of distractions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares more tips to keep teen drivers safe.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.
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