Most car accidents are preventable. If everyone respects the duty of care they owe to others, the rate of car accidents will significantly decrease. Negligence is why accidents happen.

For example, a person driving under the influence of alcohol causes an accident. In this case, the driver’s failure to uphold the duty of care they owed to other drivers is the reason for the accident.

Car accident victims can file a claim and recover their losses if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Car accident lawyers can help victims navigate the complex legal process and obtain fair compensation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

The following are some of the common reasons for car accidents in the US:

• Driving Under the Influence
• Violation of traffic rules
• Distracted driving
• Sleep-deprived driving
• Defective parts

This blog post focuses on distracted driving and what the victims of distracted driving should do after an accident. Read on.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is the act of being more focused on some other activity than driving. Any activity that takes the driver’s eyes, hands, or minds off of driving is considered a distraction.

Even turning on the radio station is considered distracted driving.

Different Forms of Distracted Driving

The three types of distracted driving are:

• Visual distraction
• Manual distraction
• Cognitive distraction

Visual Distraction:

Simply put, visual distraction is the act of taking your eyes off the road. It is important to see the road when driving.

You may think that you are just seeing your phone for one second. That one second of distraction is enough to cause a catastrophic accident. 

Example: Turning the head and speaking to a passenger. The driver won’t be able to react if they are not looking at the road.

Manual Distraction

Manual distraction is the act of taking the hands off the steering wheel. When a driver’s hands are not on the steering wheel, they are not in control of the car. If suddenly an animal passes through, the driver will not be able to react to it, as their hands are not on the steering wheel.

Example: Eating while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, people are 80% more likely to get into an accident when eating while driving.

Cognitive Distraction

It is the act of taking the mind off driving. It’s basically like zombies on wheels. Even though their eyes and hands are where they are supposed to be, they still won’t be able to react to sudden traffic movements.

Example: Speaking on a work call when driving. Discussing projects is important; but should not be done on the road. If it is necessary to take the call, just pull over.

What to Do After an Accident

Here’s a list of things you should do after a car accident caused by distracted driving:

• Move out of the accident scene as soon as possible to avoid chain accidents.
• Call 911 and inform them about the accident.
• Remain at the scene until the police arrive. Try to collect the contact information of the other party and witnesses.
• Also, take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
• Get medical attention. It is good for both your health and your case.
• Speak with a lawyer. This is the most important step a victim must take following an accident. The lawyer plays a crucial role in obtaining fair compensation for the victims.

Final Thoughts

Distracted driving is a huge problem in the US. About 9 people lose their lives every day due to distracted driving. According to a report, teenagers are more likely to engage in distracted driving than adults. Parents should teach their children about the importance of safe driving. If you have been hit by a distracted driver, call a lawyer and file a claim. They will take care of the rest.