Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Victorville
Every year, thousands of people are victims of traffic accidents in San Bernardino County. Traffic accidents happen for many reasons. Excessive speed, driving under the influence, weather conditions, and road hazards are major concerns that contribute to many car wrecks. However, one of the most common contributors to auto collisions today is distracted driving. Tragically, many injuries and even fatalities could have been prevented if drivers were paying more attention on the road.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a distracted driving car accident in Victorville, reach out to an experienced lawyer today. A skilled car crash attorney from Walter Clark Legal Group could help you obtain fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other losses you suffered because of a distracted driver.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major risk factor because anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road can increase the chances of a motor vehicle accident. These accidents can sometimes be the most serious type of car crash because the driver fails to do anything to mitigate the accident—such as slowing down or moving into another lane—because they do not even realize that the accident is about to happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nine Americans are killed every day in crashes that involve distracted drivers.
There are three main types of distractions:
- Visual distractions, which cause a driver to take their eyes off the road
- Manual distractions, which tempt a driver to take one or both hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distractions, where a driver lets their mind wander and loses focus on the act of driving
All three types of distractions are more likely when a driver tries to multitask instead of concentrating on driving safely. A seasoned attorney could investigate to determine what behaviors led to a specific distracted driving crash in Victorville.
Risk Factors that Lead to Distracted Driving
Experts agree that all three types of distractions—visual, manual, and cognitive—are more likely when a driver tries to multitask instead of concentrating on driving safely. Eating while driving, turning around to deal with an argument in the backseat, focusing too intently on a navigation app, or even fiddling with buttons that control the radio or air conditioning in the car are all seemingly harmless actions that can distract drivers, leading to deadly consequences. Age and experience can also affect how easily a driver becomes distracted. According to the CDC, young drivers between the ages of 15-20 were more likely to be distracted at the time of a fatal crash than drivers who were 21 or older.
One of the most distracting things a person can do is use their smartphone while driving. Holding a phone to make a call takes the driver’s hands off the wheel, and focusing on the conversation can take their mind off what they are doing. Texting, emailing, or using apps can be even worse since the driver may also look down at the screen. Because of this, many states, including California, have “hands-free” laws that prohibit holding phones while driving. Thus, when a Victorville driver chooses to use their cell phone behind the wheel and causes a collision, they can and should be held legally responsible.
Contact a Victorville Attorney For Help After a Crash Caused by a Distracted Driver
Despite the serious consequences, distracted driving appears to be on the rise. It can be easy for drivers to become complacent and forget that driving is a serious responsibility that should be consuming all of their attention. Drivers should honestly consider how tired, stressed, or emotional they are feeling to make sure they can handle the rigors of driving without becoming more easily distracted.
If you or a loved one was involved in a distracted driving car accident in Victorville, you already know that it can be a real headache to deal with insurance claims, medical visits, car repairs, and more. However, you do not have to handle it all on your own. Contact a lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group with experience handling these types of cases. We can be your ally as you heal from your car wreck.
