In 2015, 3,477 people died in distracted driving accidents. It is estimated that 391,000 people were injured that year by accidents caused by distracted drivers. Most people think about the use of a cell phone or other electronic device when they think about distracted driving. While the use of cell phones contribute to the cause of many traffic accidents, there are many other distractions that cause distracted driving accidents each day.
Examples of Behaviors That Cause Distracted Driving Accidents
Have you ever done one or more of these things while driving a vehicle?
- Eaten a meal or a snack
- Looked away from the road to reach for a drink
- Watched or made a video
- Read, typed, or sent an email or text
- Applied makeup or brushed your hair
- Changed or removed clothing
- Read a book, newspaper, or map
- Programmed a GPS or adjusted the settings of a GPS
- Adjusted the vehicle settings, including the radio, your seat, the steering wheel, temperature, or cruise control
- Reach for something on the floor or seat
- Taken care of children
- Looked at something on the side of the road for a few seconds
- Used any electronic device
If you did any of these things, you are guilty of distracted driving. Sadly, the above list is not an exhaustive list of things drivers do instead of paying attention to the road and the task of driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
Above are examples of actions and things that can distract a driver. However, anything that requires you to take your hand or hands off the steering wheel, look away from the road, or focus your attention on something other than driving can be a potentially deadly distraction.
The worst distractions involve all three factors — cognitive (focusing your mind on another task); physical (removing your hands from the steering wheel); and, visual (removing your eyes from the road). Examples of distractions that involve all three factors include texting while driving and reaching for an object. Something a seemingly innocent as reaching for a cell phone that slid into the floor can cause a deadly accident.
Holding Distracted Drivers Liable for Damages
When a driver causes an accident, that driver can be held liable for any damages caused by the crash. In most cases, the driver’s insurance provider pays the accident claim. However, before you can recover any money for your claim, you must show that the other driver’s error caused the crash. While distracted driving is an error, it is not conclusive proof that the driver caused the collision. You need additional evidence showing the driver was on the wrong side of the road, failed to yield the right of way, was speeding, or following too closely.
Our New Orleans car accident attorneys understand what is needed to file a successful accident claim. We fight insurance companies and their representatives for fair and just settlements for our clients.
Call Now for a Free Consultation with a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured, call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a no-obligation case evaluation. Contact our office by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 for more information or to request your free appointment.