The numbers are sobering – 3,328 fatalities were link to distracted driving in 2012. That same year, over 421,000 people were injured in automobile accidents involving a distracted driver. While these numbers reflect nationwide data, take a look at Georgia. In 2006, over 130,000 injuries occurred on Georgia roadways. With these numbers, it is likely that you or someone you know has dealt with a traumatic event related to a car accident. It is important to be aware of your legal rights should you or someone you know be involved in an automotive accident. Brownstein & Nguyen’s Atlanta personal injury attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving automobile accidents and distracted driving.
Even if you are a careful driver, an automobile wreck can occur due to the negligent driving of another. Negligence can be caused by distractions that occur visually, mentally, or physically. A visual distraction can take a driver’s eyes off of the road. A mental distraction can cause a driver’s mind to be elsewhere. Physical distractions involve anything that could cause a driver to take their hands off of the steering wheel.
Some common driving distractions include:
- Adjusting music
- Watching a video
- Using GPS or reading maps
- Self grooming (including applying make-up and fixing hair)
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Texting
- Phone use
Sometimes, distractions are avoidable but accidents still happen. No matter how cautious a driver you are, driving on the roadways involves a certain risk that other drivers are not equally as cautious. Unfortunately, distracted drivers are incapable of giving their full attention to all the necessary details of driving including traffic, road conditions, traffic signals, obstructions and unexpected events. In some cases, such as texting, all three distractions occur simultaneously as texting involves a simultaneous cognitive, manual and visual process.
Atlanta personal injury lawyers Brownstein & Nguyen offer expert legal help in situations involving vehicle or truck wrecks and distracted driving. Contact us for more information regarding the next steps to take should you be involved in a distracted driving accident.
