Injury Compensation: How to Seek It If You’re Injured By a Distracted Driver
Did you know that over 3100 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers in only 2019? Roads are ever more dangerous today, and instances of distracted driving have increased significantly over the years. So, what can you do in the event of an accident involving distracted driving? How do you get injury compensation, if there is any? Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Anything that distracts a driver or diverts their attention from driving comes under the umbrella of distracted driving. This includes any act or form of distraction that hinders a driver’s ability to drive. Some of these acts include:
- Using a cellphone
- Eating
- Drinking
- Using any other infotainment device
Types of Distracted Driving
There are four main categories of distracted driving.
Visual
Events or distractions that take your focus or visual field away from the driving direction are what we refer to as visual distractions. This could range from objects like a street sign, a billboard, a passenger, your cellphone, or a person on the street.
Manual or Physical
A manual distraction is when you take a single or both hands off your car’s steering wheel while driving. This category can include texting, drinking, eating, or even searching for an item. Anything that causes a driver to reduce their control over a vehicle can come under manual distractions. This is because it can pose a threat to those inside and outside the vehicle.
Auditory
Most people seeking injury compensation do not have the right knowledge about different types of distractions. Hence, making a case becomes difficult. Auditory distractions are those that hinder a driver’s ability to hear properly. These distractions can include but are not limited to listening to music, having a conversation on the phone, having a conversation with passengers, and much more.
Cognitive
Cognitive distractions refer to instances where a driver focuses more on another mentally demanding task. Many actions that already come under auditory, manual, and visual distractions can also come under this category of distractions. Some of these actions include taking a call using headphones or using an electronic system that’s voice-activated.
Sometimes, emotions can also hinder the driver’s ability to focus while driving. Feelings such as aloofness, sadness, or anger can keep them from driving with a clear mind. This is because the reaction time slows time when the mind is engulfed in other tasks and thoughts.
What to Do After Being Hit By a Distracted Driver
First and foremost, call emergency personnel right away. It’s important to seek medical attention in time, even if injuries are not initially apparent.
Then, if you can, try to gather information from people involved in the said collision. This information can include vehicle details such as the license plate number, driver’s license number, and make and model. It should also include insurance information, contact information, and names. If you’re prompt enough, you can also take photographs of critical evidence, such as damaged objects, injuries, and the vehicle.
Your auto accident lawyer can benefit greatly from all of it. They can use it to establish a strong case in your favor. So, stay vigilant and recall all the details about your surroundings while the accident occurred. Try to recall what the driver was doing before the accident occurred. Then, once you’ve gathered enough courage and are in a position to narrate the entire incident, call your insurance company and report the incident.
What Is An Injury Claim?
In the case of a car accident, it can refer to monetary compensation to compensate for any damages or injuries you and your vehicle sustained. While there are various types of damages, you can break them down into two main categories, namely economic and non-economic damages.
This compensation can include but isn’t limited to:
- Medication
- Ambulance costs
- Health facility stays
- Important in-home care
- Medical appointments
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Cognitive therapy, etc.
Furthermore, the suffering and pain a victim experiences can also form a critical part of the non-economic or intangible damages. Since there is no procedure or standard to compute such damages, seeking help from a professional attorney may help you better understand your rights as a victim.
How to Seek Injury Compensation
Your best bet in such times is to rely on a good car accident lawyer, especially if you require assistance in recovering damages. The expertise and experience a good attorney has will certainly be valuable in building your case. An auto accident lawyer is not only your best option when figuring out your next steps in case of a collision.
They also ensure the carrying out of the claim process and compiling of other evidence in your favor in time. Remember, car accident lawsuits are not easy to go through all by yourself. The right professional has adequate know-how of all the directions a particular case can take. Furthermore, they also provide additional legal support while educating you about your legal options every step of the way.
How Can Rob Levine & Associates Help?
With over 20 years of experience in the Tri-State area, Rob Levine & Associates has helped a number of clients seek their injury compensation. They have also helped them seek various other benefits in the event of an accident.
So, if you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer to fight your case, RLA will help you establish a strong one. If you were recently injured in the New Haven, Hartford, Boston, Fall River, or Providence area, our attorney would compile relevant evidence in your favor. Furthermore, they will also help you get the compensation you deserve by following the right legal protocols.
So, if you or someone you know was a victim of a vehicular accident due to a distracted driver, you may be eligible for injury compensation. Contact our team at Rob Levine & Associates right away and learn everything about hiring your auto accident lawyer the right way.
