Getting distracted while doing something is pretty common. It becomes a serious issue when you are doing something that is important. Driving is one area where you can’t afford to be distracted.
Even a minor distraction can lead to catastrophic accidents. Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for car accidents. Regardless of the cause of the accident, it can cause a great deal of damage to the victims.
If you are a victim of a car accident caused by distracted driving, you need to hire a lawyer immediately after getting medical care. A car crash injury lawyer from Rawlins Law says that hiring a lawyer at the early stage of a case greatly increases the chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Different Forms of Distracted Driving
There are three ways a person can be distracted while driving, which are:
- Manual distraction
- Visual distraction
- Cognitive distraction
Manual Distraction
Manual distraction occurs when you take your hands off the steering wheel. Taking the hands off the steering wheel may seem harmless, but it can lead to accidents, especially during peak traffic hours.
If your hands are not on the steering wheel, it means you do not have control over the vehicle. You may not be able to react quickly, which can lead to accidents.
Some actions that require you to take your hands off the vehicle include eating, texting, and adjusting the radio or AC.
Visual Distraction
The act of taking your eyes off the road is known as a visual distraction. In the modern world, it is quite easy to visually distract someone. A smartphone is the master of visual distraction.
Not looking at the road is very dangerous, as you won’t be aware of the other vehicles around you. The car in front of you may apply brakes, but you won’t react to that because you don’t know they applied brakes.
As said, smartphones can take your eyes off the road. Other activities, like speaking with the passenger behind you, can also distract you.
Cognitive Distraction
Cognitive distraction is when you take your mind off from driving. Driving requires your undivided attention. You may see what’s outside your windshield but won’t be able to react to it because you are not focusing on driving.
Speaking on a hands-free phone doesn’t require you to take your eyes or hands off the phone, but it does take your mind off.
Speaking on a hands-free phone is as dangerous as speaking on a handheld phone. If you get an important call, it is best to pull over and speak.
How a Lawyer Can Help
As previously established, a car accident victim will sustain many different types of losses. These losses can greatly affect the quality of life of the victim. Here’s where a lawyer can help.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you mitigate the losses from a car accident. They can help you in the following ways:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- Calculate your losses
- Draft the demand letter
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Take your case to court if required
A lawyer is the key to obtaining fair compensation. Remember, insurance adjusters may seem to be working on your behalf, but they are not. They are loyal to their company.
They will try everything to reduce or reject your compensation. A lawyer can prevent this from happening. They know the cheap strategies used by insurance companies and can counter them.
Final Thoughts
Any form of distracted driving is dangerous, as it can lead to catastrophic accidents. A lawyer can help you in these situations. They can file a claim on your behalf, negotiate with the insurance company, and obtain fair compensation for your losses.