Paducah Distracted Driving Accidents
Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm Serving Paducah Car Wreck Victims
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the definition of distracted driving is exactly what you’d think – “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” Nowadays, there is no shortage of distractions in the vehicle, ranging from cell phones to passengers to devices in the car such as satellite radio. If you got hurt in an accident because someone was distracted and not paying attention, contacting a Paducah distracted driving accident attorney can go a long way towards helping you recover for your injuries and losses. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz is a large regional personal injury law firm, serving those injured throughout Kentucky as well as Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Distracted Driving Is Dangerous
Taking one’s eyes off the road can produce devastating consequences. Safety organizations across the country are dedicated to studying distracted driving and educating the public about its dangers. For example, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, in 2016, distracted driving was reported as a factor in accidents resulting in 3,450 fatalities, which represents 9.2% of all traffic fatalities. While drivers of all ages can be distracted behind the wheel, the issue is especially prevalent among teens. Per AAA, more than 50% of teens admit to using a cell phone while driving.
Distracted driving accidents can be caused by any of the following actions:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cell phone
- Browsing radio stations
- Eating or drinking
- Reading
- Typing into a navigation or GPS device
- Gazing off
Recovering from a Distracted Driver After an Accident
Kentucky law states that injured motor vehicle accident victims can recover damages from the party who caused their harm. Thus, if a driver caused a collision due to being distracted, you may be compensated for your losses, which could include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damage to property (such as vehicle repairs).
Most distracted driving accidents in Paducah revolve around negligence, which under Kentucky law, occurs when one driver breaches a legal duty owed to someone else. Kentucky law requires all drivers to drive safely and devote proper attention to the road. Engaging in a distraction makes it infinitely more difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a safe lookout towards others.
Proving the other driver was distracted can be easier said the done. Conducting a proper investigation into the crash is one way our car accident attorneys can help Paducah residents. Sometimes, distracted driving will be noted by the responding police officer, either from the Paducah Police Department or Kentucky State Police. If officers cite the other driver for driving while distracted or violating Kentucky’s ban on texting while driving, the focus of the case can shift to damages.
If the defendant driver does not admit to driving while distracted, evidence may come from other sources. For example, witnesses may have seen the at-fault driver talking on the phone or looking down prior to the impact. It is important to contact car accident witnesses as soon as possible in order to document their version before their memories begin to fade. Cell phone use may also be established by subpoenaing cell phone records. Regardless of where in McCracken County your accident took place, it is critical to look into all theories of recovery, which is what our attorneys strive to do on behalf of clients injured in Kentucky.
Let Us Review Your Auto Accident Case Today
Proving fault for a distracted driving accident may seem like a slam dunk, but that does not mean it will be that easy when push comes to shove. Most drivers are reluctant to admit they were focusing on anything other than the road, which is where a Paducah distracted driving accident lawyer can come into play. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping injured motor vehicle wreck victims in Paducah get through this difficult period in their lives. If you suffered injuries sustained in a collision with another driver, contact our car accident lawyers at 800-529-4004 or through our contact form. We look forward to showing you why NST is the way to go if you were injured in a car wreck in Paducah.