Can I File an Injury Claim If I Was Hurt in a Distracted Driving Accident?

 Posted on July 16, 2021 in Distractive Driving

Distracted driving is known to be one of the most common causes of car accidents these days. In fact, in 2018 alone, more than 2,800 people were killed and approximately 400,000 people were injured in accidents that were caused by a distracted driver. If you were recently injured in a distracted driving accident, consider speaking to a personal injury lawyer about your legal options.

Common Types of Distractions Drivers Face

One of the most common types of distractions for drivers is cell phone use. According to a study conducted by Zendrive, 69 million drivers use their smartphones behind the wheel each day. It is estimated that drivers are on their phones for 1 minute and 52 seconds for each hour they are driving. At night, drivers use their phones for 30 seconds longer than that.

Other distractions that drivers face include eating, drinking, changing the radio station, and conversing with passengers.

How to Seek Compensation Through a Personal Injury Claim

If you suffered injuries in a vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In order to obtain fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, you are required to show sufficient proof that the other driver was at fault. Important evidence may include photos of the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements. It is also in your best interest to seek medical treatment soon after the accident. A doctor may provide you with medical records that give details about your injury, how they relate to the accident and how they have affected your daily life.

The next step is to report the accident to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When speaking to the insurer, be careful not to admit fault or provide a recorded statement. It is not advisable to accept a settlement offer before discussing it with an experienced personal injury lawyer. He or she can determine if the insurance company is offering you a fair settlement or not. If the insurance company refuses to offer a settlement that adequately covers your damages, it may be necessary to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Contact a Dallas County Car Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in a vehicle crash caused by a distracted driver, consider discussing your case with a Dallas, TX personal injury attorney. Attorney Jerry D. Andrews P.C. can thoroughly investigate your claim and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 214-221-5800 to set up a free consultation. 

Sources: https://www.zendrive.com/data-studies/2018-distracted-driving-snapshot-distracted-driving-is-100-times-worse-than-thought

https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html