If you are like most people, you have likely been distracted while behind the wheel before. Unfortunately, mundane tasks, such as adjusting the temperature or finding a new radio station, take your mind off the road. In these few seconds, an accident can happen.
In situations where you are involved in an accident with a distracted driver, it’s often possible to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. However, all drivers need to understand why being distracted is so dangerous.
What qualifies as distracted driving?
Cases of distracted driving occur when a driver takes their attention off what they are doing to do something else. There are three categories of distracted driving: visual, manual and cognitive. Unfortunately, many activities, like texting while driving, involve all three types of distractions.
When on the road, it’s smart to watch for signs that someone around you may be distracted. Some signs of this are quite obvious, such as someone not braking when they reach a stop sign. Other signs include swerving, running off the road and driving much faster or slower than the speed limit.
What are common sources of distracted driving?
While multiple things can distract a driver, some of the most common distractions include cellphone use (talking or texting), eating or drinking, using the infotainment system in your vehicle, using a navigation system, talking to passengers and grooming. Essentially, anything that takes your mind, eyes or hands off the task at hand is a distraction and can cause a collision.
If you are involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you have options to defend your case and situation. With the proper evidence, you can recover compensation.