Did you know that one in three drivers has had a near-miss crash due to their distracted driving? Unfortunately, many others who’ve done the same have caused collisions. Indeed, such dangerous actions are among the leading causes of car accidents in the U.S.
In 2021 alone, distracted driving crash incidents in the U.S. accounted for 8% of fatal crashes. They claimed the lives of 3,522 people.
Even in non-fatal crashes, distracted motorists can still cause severe injuries.
So, if you ever become a victim of such a negligent driver, hire a distracted driving accident lawyer. This guide will enlighten you on why you need such a professional and what to do following the incident, so read on.
Check Everyone for Injuries
Highly stressful or life-threatening situations engage the body’s fight-or-flight response. This causes an influx of the hormone adrenaline, also called epinephrine. The more of it in your body, the lower your pain perception.
As a result, a car crash may reduce your ability to feel pain. This may give you a false sense of being okay or thinking you don’t have injuries, even if you do.
Therefore, the first thing you must do after a collision is check yourself for injuries. You should do the same to your passengers once you’ve confirmed you’re okay.
Suppose everyone in your car is only shaken but uninjured; then head to the other car/s involved in the crash. Before doing so, check the area around your vehicle first to ensure you won’t be in the way of incoming traffic.
If anyone has sustained severe injuries, please call 911 immediately.
Call the Police
In Florida, all motorists involved in a crash that causes injuries or deaths must call the police. They must do the same if the incident caused property damage estimated to be worth at least $500.
Even if the crash only caused what seems to be minor damage to your car, call the police nonetheless. This way, law enforcers can document the incident and provide expert analysis. You can use their findings as evidence in your accident claim or if you decide to sue the distracted driver.
Collect Necessary Information and Evidence
Get the names, contacts, and insurance details of all parties involved in the crash. If you find any witness, ask for their names and contact information. You should also take as many photos and videos of the crash site as possible.
Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving crashes can result in injuries that require medical attention. These include whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and lacerations, to name a few. Each can result in thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs.
If you get injured by a distracted driver, you must not delay seeking medical attention. Otherwise, your injuries may progress into chronic, debilitating conditions. However, expect your hospital and healthcare bills not to wait, either.
That’s why you should consider hiring an attorney immediately following the crash. They can help protect your rights as a victim while you rest and recover from your injuries.
Here’s what a distracted driving attorney can do for you while you heal from your injuries.
Free Consultation
Reputable auto accident lawyers provide free, non-obligatory case reviews. They offer video or virtual consultations to make things easier for recovering victims.
During your consultation, you must relay everything you can remember about the crash. The lawyer will use these details to assess your case, its merits, and how much it’s worth.
Gather More Compelling Evidence
Your distracted driving accident lawyer will immediately start collecting crucial evidence. They’ll use their findings to help prove the other driver was driving distractedly.
One type of evidence your lawyer can use is the other driver’s cellphone record. With this, your attorney can check if the distracted driver was on the phone while driving.
Your lawyer will also likely obtain the official police reports of your incident. They’ll look for details on these reports that can help prove the other driver’s negligence. An example is if the other driver already has a history of distracted driving.
Your attorney will also track down eyewitnesses who may have seen the incident. They’ll then talk to these individuals and get their oral or written testimonies.
Another crucial piece of evidence your lawyer will collect is photographic proof. They can get these from dashcams, traffic cams, or bystanders who videoed the incident. These may show the other driver using their phone or eating while driving.
Build a Strong Case
Your lawyer will use all crucial evidence to build a case against the distracted driver. They may also hire experts, such as engineering and reconstruction specialists, to help. They’ll recreate the crash to determine its cause and prove the other driver was at fault.
Your attorney will also document the full extent of your injuries, damages, and losses. They’ll use this as their basis for the compensation they’ll try to win for you.
Fight for Fair Compensation
Once you hire a distracted driving accident lawyer, they’ll take over all correspondence. This includes speaking and negotiating with insurance companies.
Your attorney will ensure the insurers pay you a fair settlement amount. They’ll also do their best to settle your case faster, within 9 to 12 months.
If your lawyer finds it necessary, they may file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
Require Payment Only When They Win
If you feel worried about paying attorney fees upfront, don’t.
Reliable distracted driving accident lawyers don’t charge for their services immediately. Instead, they can represent you on a contingency payment basis. They’ll only require payment if they win your case.
So, rest assured your attorney will do everything they can to get you fair compensation. You can rely on them to fight for your rights as you take it easy, heal, and recover.
Let a Lawyer Protect Your Rights
Please remember that proving distracted driving requires a lot of work and effort. As the injured victim, you likely won’t have the energy for this.
That’s enough reason to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer. With their assistance, they can help you pursue the distracted driver for compensation.
If you’re ready to seek legal representation, our team here at RHINO Lawyers is happy to help. Contact us now or schedule your free consultation to get expert advice!
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
