Pennsylvania Distracted Driving and How It Causes an Accident
Distracted driving is an increasingly common problem in Pennsylvania, and it can lead to devastating accidents. According to the most recent statistics from PennDOT, distraction-related car crashes increased by 12.4% from 2019 to 2020. In 2020 alone, over 23,000 people were injured in these types of crashes in Pennsylvania, and 89 people were killed due to this preventable issue.
Types of Distracted Driving
The most common form of distracted driving is cell phone use while behind the wheel. Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds; during that time, you could drive the length of a football field without looking at what’s ahead of you. Using a handheld device increases your risk of involvement in an accident by three times. Other forms of distraction include:
- Eating or drinking- Taking your eyes off the road to reach for food, drink, or even take a sip can be dangerous.
- Changing the radio station- Reaching for and trying to adjust controls on an entertainment system can distract you from seeing what’s going on around you.
- Checking GPS- Checking your GPS to get directions can take your focus off the road.
- Talking or arguing with passengers- Interacting with passengers in your car can also divert your attention from the task at hand: driving safely and responsibly.
- Grooming- Putting on makeup, shaving, brushing hair, etc., while behind the wheel should be avoided as much as possible.
How a Lawyer Can Prove Distracted Driving by the At-Fault Party
If you were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. To prove that the at-fault party was distracted at the time of the crash, certain pieces of evidence can help support your case. Your injury lawyer can collect that evidence to strengthen your case, so you can recover the compensation you deserve: Some of this evidence includes:
- Witness statements- Witnesses who saw what happened can often provide invaluable testimony about what they observed before and during the crash.
- Cell phone records- Cell phone records, including call logs and texts, can document whether or not the other driver was using their cell phone prior to or during the accident.
- Dashcam footage- Dashcam footage from either vehicle involved in the accident could show whether one driver was distracted.
- Police report- The police report could contain evidence of the other driver’s distracted driving, including witness statements and any other relevant information.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer to Handle Your Case
If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, working with an experienced lawyer who can help you build a strong case for your injuries is important and much better than going it alone. A lawyer can help you identify all available forms of compensation and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process.
Travis Law Firm: Auto Accident
The Travis Law Firm utilizes its legal experience, knowledge, and hard work to help injured clients obtain fair compensation following a car accident. We offer free consultations when you call us at (814) 277-2222. For your convenience, we also offer an online contact form. Unless we win your case, you owe us nothing.