Imagine this: you’re driving home from work and all you have on your mind is cuddling up on your couch with a good tv show or book, a warm blanket, and a hot beverage when you get home. You come to a stop at a red light, but the driver behind you fails to stop. Their mind was momentarily distracted by the commanding chime of their phone, causing a rear-end collision that has now damaged both cars and left you with neck pain and them with a phone broken beyond repair.
Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents in the United States. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,166 lives in 2017. Understanding the high costs associated with these accidents can help drivers make smarter decisions about how they behave on the road. Here is what a distracted driver may have to face for their mistake:
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This can include texting, eating, talking to people in your vehicle, and/or fiddling with the radio or GPS.
Why Does Texting and Driving Get So Much Attention
Unlike other distractions, texting takes your eyes away for the longest amount of time. The average adult reads at the speed of 200-300 words per minute. This means an average text will take about five seconds to read. That is five seconds someone removes their eyes from the road, five seconds less of response time, and five seconds that can alter someone’s life.
The High Cost of Distracted Driving
Damages to Your Car
Any car accident can result in damages. From small fender-benders to multi-car collisions, the extent of the damage varies depending on the speed, direction, and force that went into the crash. Regardless, damage to your car depreciates its value, can lead to costly repairs, and can even result in the car getting totaled.
Injuries
Both the driver at fault and the victim of the accident will be feeling the after-effects of the impact. Whiplash, broken bones and even more serious injuries such as traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries can leave an individual’s life permanently altered. From the cost of medical expenses, missed time at work, and the emotional trauma of the crash, a moment of distracted driving can lead to a lifetime of problems.
Financial Strain
Damages to your car and the cost of medical expenses can be pricey. Serious car accidents can lead to the financial strain of not only the distracted driver but the other individual as well.
Fortunately, for victims of a distracted driving incident, there is hope. Hernandez Law Group, P.C. is dedicated to helping those affected by a distracted driving accident claim the compensation they deserve. We understand that individuals partaking in distracting driving are not only paying a high-price themselves but are also causing others to pay it with them. Our team fights for you and your rights to ensure that you and your family are taken care of. This is why we offer a no-win, no-fee policy as it takes the risk out of seeking compensation. Contact our team today for a free consultation!
