A growing number of fatal and injury-related car accidents are due to distracted drivers using handheld phones. According to research, 40 percent of cell phone users have admitted to using social media while driving, with 10 percent engaging in video chats behind the wheel. In addition, the Snapchat app has added a “speed filter,” with some drivers taking selfies while traveling at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. Evidence of texting or social media use while driving may be used in some cases to help victims of these accidents recover compensation for their injuries.
Distracted Drivers – Crashes Happen Fast—And Often
When traveling at 55 miles per hour, a driver takes his or her eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds to read a text message, according to experts. That means that the driver travels the length of a football field without looking at the road.
A recent study showed the drivers in Florida, Texas, California and New York are among the most prominent offenders in distracted driving. Tracking the hashtag #whiledriving, experts collected data on just what people do behind the wheel while engaging in social media use. The results were chilling.
A State Farm study noted that 48 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 admit to having used their mobile devices to access the Internet while driving. This behavior, known as “webbing,” is causing experts deep concern over the dangers of handheld device use.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that 3,179 people died and more than 430,000 were injured in distracted driving crashes in 2014, despite laws on the books in nearly every state against using handheld devices behind the wheel. Some states ban all handheld device use; others ban only texting.
What Can I Do If I Am The Victim of a Distracted Driver?
For the innocent victims of distracted drivers, the crash may be only the beginning of the nightmare. It is very important for victims to be able to prove that drivers were texting, chatting or taking selfies before the crash, but this may be difficult to do without the help of an attorney experienced in collecting this type of evidence.
A personal injury attorney with experience in representing the victims of distracted driving crashes may be able to help those who have suffered from a driver’s negligent conduct. Victims may be entitled to compensation from the distracted drivers insurance company, including money for pain and suffering, payment of medical bills and even recovery of lost wages. Contact an Accident attorney at David & Philpot, P.L. today if you have been involved in a distracted driving accident. We’re here to help with a free, no obligation consultation about your case.
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