Car accidents happen quickly, and anyone can be a victim after just a moment of distracted driving. Although laws have been enacted to cut down on the causes of distracted driving, it is still alarmingly common for drivers to allow a distraction to dominate their attention, resulting in a car accident.
After you have been personally affected by an accident in Galveston caused by a distracted driver, you likely have a case to pursue compensation. Working with an experienced vehicle crash attorney can help establish the facts of the case and ensure that you are heard.
What Distracted Driving Involves
Distracted driving includes all activities that take a driver’s attention away from the road and their operation of the vehicle. It can include anything from cell phone use, changing the radio, looking at something outside the vehicle, or even just becoming lost in thought. The law specifies certain activities that constitute distracted driving, such as texting and using handheld devices, but a case could be made that a driver was distracted even without one of these specific laws being violated.
Common Injuries After A Distracted Driving Accident
Distracted driving can result in a wide range of far-reaching injuries. Some injuries, such as bone fractures, whiplash, and lacerations, can be seen and addressed immediately. However, some serious injuries may not be fully understood until well after the initial accident, such as neck or spinal cord injuries, PTSD symptoms, or traumatic brain injuries.
Even if a person does not feel like they have any serious injuries, it’s important to get examined by a medical professional.
Lines of Evidence Pursued to Prove Distracted Driving
Proving distracted driving is an important part of establishing fault and determining appropriate consequences after an accident. Insurance adjusters and local law enforcement can use a combination of phone records, video footage from surveillance cameras, and statements from witnesses who saw the events leading up to the accident. In some cases, an expert witness who understands the nuances of the case may be called to testify.
Phone records are particularly useful though as cell phones are a major cause of distracted driving. Details ascertained through cell phone records could include social media activity, text message or phone call records or other app usage notifications.
What to Do After an Accident
After a car accident everyone involved should make time for a medical exam that can determine the extent of personal injuries. At the time of the accident, snap photos make a careful examination of the site of the accident and document anything that seems relevant.
Law enforcement and insurance agencies should be notified of the accident, and it is wise to consult with a Galveston attorney who has experience establishing the facts of distracted driving cases. An attorney can also advise their client on what other appropriate steps should be taken to ensure physical safety and a legal basis for compensation should be taken.
Work With a Galveston Attorney After a Distracted Driving Accident
Your recovery after an accident is of the utmost importance. Galveston-based attorneys with the office Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP are committed to giving their clients the time and attention necessary to see your case through.
When a distracted driver allows themselves to put you and your family in danger, you deserve to have proper advice. Call today for a consultation on your unique situation and see what compensation may be available. We look forward to working with you.
