Road accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. It can occur for various reasons一from mechanical problems and overspeeding to road rages and loss of vehicle control. But currently, there’s an increasing number of car crashes and road accidents due to distracted driving.

Did you know that about 9 Americans get killed every day due to accidents caused by distracted driving, according to the CDC? In fact, the study also reported that one in five victims who died were not using any vehicles一they were either walking, using the pedestrian lane, or riding a bike.

The rising number of deaths and crashes is becoming alarming. That’s why it’s important to get educated and know how to prevent such accidents. More importantly, it’s crucial to know what to do if you ever fall victim to a distracted driver.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is the act of driving while doing another task, which eventually diverts their attention away from driving. Many activities may constitute as distracted driving, such as texting, calling another person, using the phone for navigation, eating, drinking, and engaging with passengers. 

Tasks that can distract the driver while driving may be grouped into three types:

• Manual - taking your hands off the wheel
• Visual - taking your eyes off the road
• Cognitive - taking your mind off of driving

So basically, any task requiring you to take your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel constitutes a distraction. Unfortunately, almost 10% of all drivers do these distracting activities, which increases the risk of car crashes, accidents, and deaths. 

What can you do to prevent accidents caused by distracted driving?

With a lot of technological additions in every vehicle, it’s easy to get your mind preoccupied with every other activity except driving. However, not giving your 100% focus on the road can endanger your life and someone else’s. So, here are some of the things you can do to avoid such tragedy:

• Set up everything before driving. 

Adjust your seat, check your mirrors, put in the address on your GPS, and select your music before starting the car. A lot can happen in five seconds as you take your eyes off the road to adjust your side mirror.

• Do not use your phone while driving. 

Using your phone while driving is against the law since this simple task can endanger many lives. Even hands-free use of phones can distract your mind off the road.

• Don’t engage passengers in long conversations. 

Being engrossed in a conversation, even if it’s only on the phone, can cause a driver to miss simple yet important road cues. 

• Limit the activities inside the car. 

Soft music can help relax and pass the time while driving. But loud songs, raucous laughter, and rowdy passengers can divert the driver’s attention away from the road. It can also cause them to be less attentive to the signals from other cars on the road.

• Avoid eating or drinking. 

Finish your food and drinks before driving to avoid accidental food spills leading to car crashes and deaths.

• Pull over if you are feeling tired and sleepy. 

Even the slightest hint of drowsiness should be a cause for concern. So pull off the road instead of driving faster to arrive at your destination.

What should you do if you get involved in a car accident with a distracted driver?

No matter how careful or focused you may be, you cannot control the actions of other drivers around you. So if you ever got into a fender bender caused by a distracted driver, then here are some important things to remember:

Call 911

Check for injuries and ensure everyone is fine and free from immediate danger. Then, call 911 to request police assistance and medical help. Even if there are no apparent injuries, you should still seek medical attention since some injuries may appear later.

Gather information

While waiting for the police to enter the scene, take the time to gather information from the other party involved. Take note of the driver’s name, contact number, make and model of the vehicle, and insurance information.

You can also seek witnesses that may have been nearby during the accident. You can take their statements and keep them for future use. Additionally, you may also write down everything you remember before, during, and after the crash. Every small detail is important since it can be used to prove distracted driving in court.

Take photos of the scene

Take photos of all the cars involved in the crash accident. You can also take a photograph of the whole accident scene and nearby details that may become important later on, such as the condition of the road, street signs, and skid marks. Plus, you can take photos of your injuries so you can use them later on as evidence.

Seek legal help

You should only provide your statement to the police and no one else. Refrain from apologizing or talking about the details of the accident to your insurer or other parties involved. Even if you’re not at fault, anything you say may accidentally put the blame on yourself.

So the best thing to do is hire a competent car accident lawyer to help prove your case in court.

Where to find the best car accident attorney in South Florida?

An accident caused by a distracted driver does not only result in a pile of medical bills and a damaged vehicle. It also means no work and income for months, possible psychological trauma, and a drastic decrease in your quality of life. 

Have you or someone you know has been a victim of a distracted driver? If so, then Atty. Rafael Gonzalez一our expert personal injury lawyer in Broward County一can help bring justice to your case.

Ask My Attorneys is the home of qualified lawyers that specializes in handling and winning cases related to car accidents. Our head litigator, Atty. Rafael Gonzalez has helped countless victims by representing their cases in court and recovering the maximum compensation they deserve. What’s more we offer free legal assistance with no obligation. No Fee Unless You Win.

Besides distracted driving car accidents, our car accident attorney in Plantation also specializes in other practice areas, such as:

• Hit and run accident
• Geico car accident settlement
• Progressive car insurance claims
• Motorcycle accident
• Pedestrian accident
• Truck and bus accident
• Bicycle accident

And more!Schedule a Free Case Evaluation now so you can start your consultation and ask our attorneys every legal question you have about your case. We speak English and Spanish.