Tupelo Distracted Driving Accidents
Let us face it; distractions are everywhere when we drive. At one moment, the kids are screaming in the back seat and the very next moment you look down to change radio stations. Shortly thereafter, you receive a text message from your workout buddy reminding you not to miss tonight’s workout. You then reply, “Not a chance!” How many times have we all done this? How many times have you looked over to the car next to you and wondered how that driver is still on the road because they are scrolling through their Facebook news feed? It happens all the time, and unfortunately it leads to lots of distracted driving car accidents in Tupelo each year. If you have been injured in an accident, call the Tupelo distracted driving accident lawyers at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz today for a free consultation on your case. Our firm has over 30 years of experience in handling car accident cases.
Mississippi Law Bans Distracted Driving
Under Mississippi law, it is against the law for a driver to write, send, or read a text message from a moving motor vehicle. Additionally, drivers are prohibited from accessing, reading, or posting to social media networking sites while operating the vehicle.
To bring a successful claim against another driver if you are involved in a distracted driving car accident, there are several things that must be proven. First, the injured party must prove that the other driver was negligent. This can be shown by proving they violated one of the traffic laws in force at the time of the wreck. Next, the injured party must prove that the other driver’s negligence was the cause of the accident. Essentially, the injured party will need to show that they would not have been injured if the distracted driver had not in fact been distracted. Finally, the injured party must show that they have suffered some type of damages resulting from the accident. This can be shown by proving economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as certain non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and permanent disfigurement.
Sometimes, both drivers involved in an accident will point the finger at each other. Mississippi follows the rule of pure comparative fault, meaning one driver’s negligence does not automatically bar them from asserting a claim. This is where enlisting an experienced distracted driving accident attorney in the Tupelo area can make a difference in protecting your legal rights.
Recent Distracted Driving Statistics
In 2015, 391,000 people were injured and 3,477 people were killed by distracted driving alone in the United States. Also alarming, it has been estimated that 660,000 people drive while using electronic devices during each day. As expected, cell phone usage is highest among 16-24 year olds while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, sending or receiving a text message takes the driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds — at 55 miles per hour, that is the equivalent of traveling the length of an entire football field. No wonder drivers who use handheld devices are approximately four times more likely to get into a serious crash. Mississippi ranks as one of the top states in cell phone usage while driving, and therefore, it is extremely important for residents of Tupelo to be aware of the dangers and know who to contact if they are hurt by another driver.
Consult a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Tupelo and Surrounding Areas
Distracted driving car accidents may result in serious injuries or even a loss of life. A driver may be distracted for just a few seconds and cause a devastating injury or a tragic death. Victims who are injured in crashes due to someone else’s negligence should contact the Tupelo distracted driving accident attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz. Contact our office by calling 800-LAW-4004 or by completing our online form to set up a free appointment.
