Distracted driving accidents account for a large number of auto accidents in the state of Ohio. In fact, the Ohio State Highway Patrol estimates that nearly half of auto accidents on the road are the result of a distracted driver.
Types of Driver Distractions
The distraction drivers face can be categorized into three major types:
- Visual: not keeping their eyes on the road;
- Manual: removing one or both hands from the wheel; and
- Cognitive: when drivers take their mind off the road.
Today, drivers face far more distractions than they have in past years, especially with new technologies and busier schedules.
Texting and Driving: A Major Cause of Auto Accidents
Mobile devices, including cell phones and smartphones, have revolutionized the way we live our lives. Unfortunately, what was once the next big thing in digital communications is now one of the biggest contributors to auto accidents: texting while driving. In fact, texting is one of the leading causes of distractions–leading to car accidents–amongst teenagers, according to Distraction.gov.
A driver distracted by texting often has slower reaction times than even drunk drivers. As a result, high-speed impacts and devastating injuries take place, affecting both the distracted driver and other motorists on the road.
Distracted driving can be used as evidence for negligence in a collision. If you have been injured in a collision with a distracted driver, you need to consult with an auto accident lawyer for legal advice. Trying to file a claim without proper guidance can be a nightmare, possibly leaving you responsible for hefty medical expenses and an inability to collect compensation for the things that you need most.
Other Distracting Behaviors When Driving in Ohio
While texting and driving is one of the biggest causes of distracted driving, it is only one source of distracted driving in Ohio. The legal team at Ohio Car Accident Lawyers has also worked on auto wreck cases with drivers who were distracted by:
- Speaking on the phone while driving;
- Emailing or texting while driving;
- Eating while driving;
- Applying makeup and other grooming activities;
- Attending to children while driving;
- Using onboard navigation systems while driving;
- Listening to music or changing the radio while driving; and
- Driving while distracted by fatigue.
In these types of distracted driving accidents, our team will use all of the evidence we have access to to prove that distracted driving occurred. Even when the at-fault driver does not admit to distracted driving, we can use other methods to prove liability. For instance, while we may not be able to demonstrate definitively the driver was using their phone when the crash occurred, we could still prove they ran a stop sign.
Our team of auto accident lawyers have over 190 years of combined legal experience handling car accident cases. In fact, we exclusively focus on personal injury law. We know exactly what it takes to secure evidence, prove negligence, and negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you are rightfully compensated. If no fair settlement offer is made, we will not hesitate to take the case to court and get the justice you deserve through a trial.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Your Distracted Driving Claim
Do not wait until it is too late to take action after you have been in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. If you believe that you have the right to legal recourse, call the attorneys at Ohio Car Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation. We are reachable now at 800-218-4243 and can travel to where you live in order to meet with you.
