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Distracted driving is a term that gets a lot of attention from the media, and yet there are many times when accidents happen because people do not realize just how critical their full attention on the roadways in front of them really is.
When you are the victim, hire an East Providence distracted driving accident lawyer to fight for your recovery. At Gemma Law Associates, our East Providence car accident lawyers with over 100 years of combined experience can help you.
Types of Distracted Driving That Causes Accidents
Distracted driving occurs in any situation in which a driver takes their eyes or focus off the road, even for a few seconds. Distraction can also happen if the driver is still watching the roadway but is not actually focused on what is happening. The following are some of the most common types of distracted driving our East Providence personal injury lawyers see:
- Cell phones: One of the most common causes of distracted driving is the use of cell phones. That includes making calls, texting, checking emails, or otherwise engaging with a phone. Even if you are using a hands-free device, if you are unable to focus on the road while doing so, that creates a distraction.
- Navigational systems: Navigation systems are another common cause of concern. When looking at the GPS screen, it is impossible to pay full attention to the roadway.
- Grooming: Another common cause of such accidents is personal grooming. This might include hair brushing or applying makeup.
- Eating and drinking: The action of eating or drinking may not seem problematic, but it becomes worse in situations where the driver is adjusting straws or opening packages.
- Intense conversations: Another potentially devastating accident occurs when the driver is having an intense conversation or is in a heated argument. It is natural human behavior to focus attention on that conversation, whether it is in person or over the phone.
- Pets: A pet in the vehicle is a distraction when that animal is able to climb on or otherwise interact with the driver.
- Daydreaming: One of the most complex cases to prove distracted driving can be a big factor in accidents. Yet, the lack of focus can dramatically increase the risk of an accident.
These are some of the most common causes of distracted driving. They do not represent all of them. Remember that any time a driver is unable to pay attention to the roadway properly, they are putting others at risk.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accident lawyer serving East ProvidenceCall 401.467.2300
Why Distracted Driving Is So Detrimental
A phone beeps, indicating a new text message or someone calls that you need to have an important conversation with, and that message is answered. At that moment, the risk of an accident is very high. Even if it just seems like a second, the risk of a serious injury and the loss of life is quite high.
Consider that, as noted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Distracted Driving Dangers and Statistics, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,308 people in 2022. They provide a valuable example of what can happen in the five seconds that you take your eyes off the road to read a text message. If you are traveling 55 miles an hour at the time, and you take your eyes off the road for just five seconds, it is the same thing as driving the full length of a football field with your eyes closed.
The risk is high, yet this is one of the most common reasons for car accidents today. When you are the victim in this situation, no text message seems even remotely important. Yet, fighting for fair compensation is important, and that is where our distracted driving accident attorney in East Providence at Gemma Law Associates can help you.
East Providence Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
How to Prove a Driver Was Distracted
One of the steps our distracted driving accident lawyer in East Providence is tasked with is determining if distraction occurred. There are some situations where this may be obvious, or law enforcement responding to the accident may determine whether the incident occurred. Your East Providence personal injury lawyer will investigate the case as thoroughly as possible, including using steps such as the following to uncover valuable details.
- Witness statements: Your statement, passenger statements, or third parties may have seen what was happening prior to the accident.
- Vehicle data boxes: Some vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, log driver interactions. This can provide insight into what the driver was doing prior to the accident.
- Driver statements: Sometimes, a driver will make a statement that demonstrates what was happening. They may say, “I was looking at my phone for a second,” or “I was on the phone with my child.” This could be an indication of distraction.
- Cell phone records: Police may petition the court to obtain copies of cell phone records that may show when text messages were being sent.
- Evidence at the scene: In situations where the driver has a pet in the car or there is food present, that could indicate what was occurring as well. Police typically will be able to pick up on these types of details at the time of the accident.
- Accident reconstruction: Your attorney will work with accident reconstruction professionals to better understand what took place based on what the evidence shows.
Each of these steps can help obtain key data that informs us of the potential cause of the accident. Even the type of accident, the way the vehicles struck each other, and the area cameras can provide some insight into what occurred.
The more aggressive your attorney is at finding this data, the more likely it is that they can hold those responsible accountable for the losses you have. Read our frequently asked questions about car accidents today.
Hire an East Providence Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Now
If you suspect distracted driving was a part of the cause of the accident you suffered losses in, hire an attorney who will find out those details for you.
An East Providence distracted driving accident lawyer will investigate the details of your case and build a robust claim based on all the evidence available. Contact Gemma Law Associates to learn more about your legal rights.
Call or text 401.467.2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
