When we think of driving distractions, we automatically think of texting and driving. However, there are dozens of types of distracted driving. If you think about all the things you do when you should be concentrating on the road, you’ll be surprised. And, we all do it. It’s just that most of us don’t get into car accidents as a result.
A poll once showed that over 80% of us admitted to driving while distracted at least a few times a week. Whether it’s eating or talking – we are all guilty of it. It’s no surprise, then, those distracted driving accidents are on the rise. You’d think with all the strict laws against distracted driving, we’d be more careful. But this is not the case. No matter how strict the laws are, people are going to continue to drive while distracted.
Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Understand the Types of Driving Distractions
Generally speaking, there are three (3) types of driving distractions. These are:
- Manual – This is when you’re physically doing things you shouldn’t be doing. For example, your changing the radio station instead of keeping your hand on the wheel. Or, you’re shoving fries in your mouth instead of using your turn signal.
- Visual – When you take your eyes off the road, it’s considered a visual distraction. Instead of looking at the road ahead of you and checking your mirrors, you’re reading a text message or magazine.
- Cognitive – This is when you’re just daydreaming or thinking about something other than driving. This is the most common type of driving distractions and, sometimes, it’s hard to avoid.
This makes sense if you think about it. These are the main ways in which we can get distracted doing anything. Whether we’re talking about being distracted at work, school or driving, it’s always one of these three types.
Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Handle All Sorts of Distracted Driving Cases
Car accident attorneys in Atlanta are used to all sorts of distracted driving cases. If you’ve been hurt, chances are, it was caused by distracted driving. The three most common causes of driving distractions include:
- Lost in thought– Most people think cell phones are the biggest cause of driving distractions. However, it’s actually just being lost in thought. 62% of all distracted driving accidents are caused by people just daydreaming. Maybe they’re thinking about paying their bills. Or, they’re deciding what to make for dinner. General distracted thinking is the number one cause of distracted driving.
- Cell phones and texting– People talking on their cell phones or texting causes about 12% of all distracted driving accidents. It’s impossible to pay attention to the road when you’re texting or calling someone. This is why so many people end up in accidents while using their cell phones.
- Watching other people– Being nosy accounts for about 7% of all distracted driving accidents. This is why we often see chain reactions when it comes to accidents. People caught rubber-necking another fender bender end up getting into one of their own. Or, you ‘re watching a woman walk down the street and don’t realize the person in front of you is slamming on their brakes.
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, it was probably caused by one of these three things. It’s not really a matter of someone being a bad person. It’s just a matter of someone getting distracted in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Can an Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer Get You the Compensation You Deserve?
Auto accident lawyers handle dozens of distracted driving cases every year. Thankfully, most of them don’t involve very serious injuries. However, some of them do. When this happens, your Atlanta auto accident attorney will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will demand that you be compensated for the following:
- Medical bill – You’re entitled to both present and future medical bills. If you’re going to need surgery or physical therapy going forward, you should be covered for this. Your lawyer will have your doctor testify as to your need for future treatment.
- Lost Wages – If you’ve missed weeks or months from work, you should be compensated for that. Your lawyer will submit proof of missed time as evidence.
- Pain and Suffering – If your injuries are severe, you’ll be entitled to pain and suffering. Your lawyer will submit evidence that you suffered physical, emotional and mental pain as a result of the accident.
- Property Damage – Obviously, the defendant will have to cover any repairs made to your car. The same is true if your car needs to be replaced.
Call and schedule your free initial consultation with an Atlanta auto accident attorney today. He’ll review your case and let you know how much it may be worth. And remember – you pay nothing until you settle your case.