Getting behind the wheel can seem even more dangerous than ever before, especially as the rise in car crashes linked to distracted driving has thrown a spotlight on a major concern. In 2016 alone, 3,450 people were killed in distracted driving accidents. Another study showed that a majority of car accidents involved some form of distracted driving and that 52 percent of all crashes involved drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel. Of those, 29 percent were driving at a speed greater than 56 miles per hour.
The Dangers of Distraction
As the smartphone has become ubiquitous, drivers behind the wheel can be distracted by texting, internet usage, phone calls and even the use of navigation software. The consequences can be dangerous and even deadly for others on the road, leading to severe injuries and lifelong disabilities. When you’ve been injured due to another driver’s distraction behind the wheel, it can be important to take action and protect your rights. Las Vegas personal injury lawyers can help you fight to achieve the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Major Contributors to Distracted Driving
There are several major factors that can contribute to distracted driving. While some are linked to the rise in smartphone popularity, not all involve the use of a mobile device. Some of these distractions for drivers include:
- Texting while driving: This is perhaps the behavior most commonly associated with distracted driving, removing the texting driver’s hands and eyes from the wheel and the road.
- In-Car technologies: It doesn’t require a smartphone to be distracted by tech behind the wheel. Advanced, built-in entertainment systems and GPS navigation tools can also divert a driver’s attention.
- Eating and drinking: Another classic cause of distracted driving accidents is eating and drinking behind the wheel. While this can be all too common for busy commuters, hands and eyes are easily taken from the road ahead.
Protect Your Rights
In just one year, 391,000 people were injured due to auto accidents that involve distracted driving. Despite awareness campaigns and media attention, this number appears to be on the rise. While you can drive defensively, maintain a safe following distance and watch out for your own distractions, others can still cause serious damage on the road. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s distracted or negligent behavior, it is important to take action to protect your rights and not rely on the insurance company’s goodwill.
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at The Schnitzer Law Firm can fight hard to help you achieve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering caused by a distracted driving car accident. You can call our office at 702-960-4050 or use our simple online form to set up a free consultation with no obligation, where you can find out the next steps you can take to pursue your rights.