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Louisville Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
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Think of your morning commute. Does your drive involve stopping for a cup of coffee, eating breakfast on the go, making phone calls, or finding that perfect song on your iPod? Chances are, you are guilty of a few of these. With so many distractions in today’s world, it can be challenging to put safe and responsible driving first and foremost. We are naturally multi-taskers. Our drives are used to plan out our days, what errands we need to run, and what deadlines we need to meet, rather than focusing on how to safely get from point A to point B.
So, how do we break this cycle? The car accident lawyers at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC believe that simplification is key to developing safe driving habits. With two hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road, you dramatically limit your driving hazards and can better prevent yourself and your passengers from a motor vehicle collision.
Unfortunately, these habits can cause accidents on the road, leaving victims to deal with painful injuries, financial losses, and other damages. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was distracted, contact our Louisville distracted driving accident lawyer to see how we can help you with your case.
Injuries and Financial Harm in a Distracted Driving Incident
In accidents caused by a distracted driver, injuries are common. As the other driver fails to pay attention to the road, it can lead to significant injuries and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes with distracted drivers. While some victims may walk away with only a few bumps and bruises, others can be left with life-changing injuries.
Often, the financial impact of these accidents can be a burden for many victims and their families. These individuals usually face costly medical treatments, rehabilitation, and sometimes long-term care if the injuries are severe. Additionally, the loss of income due to an inability to work can place financial strain on them and their family.
Also, if a distracted driving accident results in fatal injuries, the family of the deceased now has to pay for funeral expenses and deal with the loss of financial support.
Fortunately, there are legal options in these situations. If the decisions of a distracted driver have impacted you and your life, make sure to schedule a consultation with our Louisville distracted driver lawyer today.
Recovering Damages with Help from a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Distracted driving is more than a minor traffic offense; it is a serious form of negligence that can lead to devastating accidents and legal liabilities. In Kentucky, you can be held legally accountable for damages if you cause an accident due to distracted driving. Accident victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses.
When filing a lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver was distracted. In turn, that can help to establish negligence. In these cases, negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care on the road. Distracted driving is one example of these actions. Whether the distraction involved texting, using a GPS device, eating, or any other activity that took the driver’s focus away from the road, it can be the basis for a claim.
At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, we can help to identify and prove negligence in distracted driving cases. Whether through phone records, eyewitness testimonies, or traffic camera footage, we can establish that the other driver was distracted during the accident. With that, we can secure compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related damages
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What You Need to Do in These Situations?
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to protect your rights from the beginning.
Even if your injuries seem minor, always see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent; a medical record will be vital evidence in your personal injury case. You will also want to take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence is often the most substantial in a distracted driving case. If there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. With their statements, they can help corroborate your account of the events.
Most importantly, consult with an experienced Louisville distracted driving accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies. At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and guide you on the best legal options for your claim.
Preventing Distracted Driving
Now that you know why distracted driving is dangerous and costly, let’s look at a few tips to stay safe on the road.
So, next time you are in your vehicle, we challenge you to keep these precautions in mind:
- Phone Calls—Only use your cell phone for emergencies while driving. If you must make a call, take the time to safely pull off to the right shoulder to make the call. Because when you are talking on the phone, what you are saying and hearing is distracting you, even temporarily, from the road ahead of you.
- Food—If you are picking up food on the go, give yourself enough time to eat once your vehicle has stopped. Too often drivers try to master eating while driving, but it only makes driving (and eating) more complicated and less safe.
- Texting—When driving, that text can wait. No text should compromise your safe driving practices. While it may be easy to convince yourself it will only take a second to check or send that text, a collision can happen if you choose to watch your screen over the road. If it is urgent enough, they will call. Again, if you feel the need to answer (if it is an emergency), safely pull off to the shoulder and take the call.
- Drowsiness—If you are driving tired, you are a danger to yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. If you happen to have a passenger, suggest that they drive instead. Drivers must stay alert at all times, so if you find yourself tired at the wheel, get off the road, and if it is late at night and you still have a long way to your destination, consider putting yourself up for the night for a good night’s sleep.
- Define Your Distractions—No one knows you better than yourself. Take a moment to identify what distracts you the most while driving and make a conscious effort to limit those distractions whenever possible. If you feel safer with fewer passengers in the car, drive with fewer passengers. If you find that your iPod is constantly in your hand on the road, set it to shuffle before you begin driving.
What to Remember About Distracted Driving
Remember, no one is perfect. We are all guilty of allowing distractions to negatively affect our safe driving from time to time. But, if we decide to make safe driving the ONLY priority while in the driver’s seat, we will have made our roads safer for everyone.
While we can take these precautions, not everyone takes steps to protect others on the road. If you were injured by an irresponsible driver, you have the right to seek compensation from them.
By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you’re not just seeking compensation but also holding the distracted driver accountable for their actions. At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, we are committed to helping you get justice for an accident that shouldn’t have happened. We understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk to a Louisville distracted driving accident lawyer.
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Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Louisville Now
Distracted drivers put everyone on the road at risk for injury or death. If you were hurt by a driver who wasn't paying attention to the road, contact us today. We'll schedule you for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
