Texting and Driving Accidents
Las Vegas Texting While Driving Injury Attorney
Texting and talking on a hand held cell phones while driving has become a major problem in the U.S. When people are talking on the phone, or are sending or receiving text messages while driving, they put themselves, their passengers and others on the road in grave danger.
Some states have cracked down on texting and talking on the phone while driving, making it illegal for anyone to send or receive text messages or talk on the phone without using a hands-free device. Nevada is one of these states. If you are involved in a car accident that is caused because another driver was texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone in the state of Nevada, you can file an injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
Driver Distraction: A Real Problem
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 15 people are killed and more than 1,200 people are injured in vehicle accidents that involve driver distraction every single day. Driver distraction can also refer to using navigation devices, changing the radio and eating while driving.
Despite the risks associated with texting and talking on cell phones while driving, a shockingly high percentage of drivers still admit to doing it. The CDC reports that 9 percent of drivers in the U.S. admitted to texting or sending emails while driving “regularly or fairly often.” Another 25 percent of drivers admitted to talking on handheld cell phones “regularly or fairly often” in the U.S.
Studies show that people between the ages of 18 and 29 are the guiltiest. According to the CDC, 75 percent of drivers in this age group admitted to talking on their cell phones while driving at least once in the last 30 days and another 52 percent admitted to texting or emailing at least once in the last 30 days.
Types of Driver Distraction that Cause Accidents
There are three types of distractions that can lead to crashes and collisions on the road:
- Visual Distractions: any activity that takes the driver’s eyes off the road
- Cognitive Distractions: any activity that interrupts the driver’s mind from focusing on driving
- Manual Distractions: any activity that leads to the driver’s hands leaving the steering wheel
Texting while driving significantly increases a driver’s risk of an auto accident because it involves all three types of distractions.
Common Examples of Distracted Driving
Common examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting, emailing, or using social media on a mobile device
- Talking on a phone, even if it’s hands-free
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Applying makeup or grooming
- Changing the radio station or adjusting the music playlist
- Using a navigation system or GPS
- Talking to passengers or attending to children in the car
- Reading, including maps, books, or newspapers
These distractions can cause drivers to take their eyes, hands, and/or mind off the road, leading to accidents and injuries.
How Does Cell Phone Use Increase the Risk of a Crash?
About 660,000 drivers use a cell phone at any given time during the day. Cell phone use while driving is a known distraction. However, 77% of young adults think they can safely text and drive with over half calling it “easy” to do.
What drivers don’t realize is that the minimum amount of time their attention is taken away from the road while texting is about five seconds. For a car traveling at 55 miles per hour, that amount of time equals driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Advancing technology has certainly made it easier to stay in touch with others and to get tasks done, but it has also vastly increased the chances of someone getting hurt or even killed due to distracted driving.
The following current statistics surrounding cell phone use while driving are shocking:
- A driver who is texting while driving is 23 times more likely to end up in a crash.
- Dialing while driving makes a crash 2.8 times more likely.
- Talking or listening on the phone while driving makes a crash 1.3 times more likely.
- Reaching for a cell phone while driving makes a crash 1.4 times more likely.
What Should I Do If I'm Hit By a Distracted Driver?
If you’ve been hit by a distracted driver, follow these simple steps to ensure that your case gets off to a strong start:
- Get medical attention for yourself and anyone else involved in the accident.
- Call the police to report the accident and request a police report.
- Exchange information with the other driver and witnesses (Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details).
- Document the accident scene, specifically, take photos and videos of any damage to the vehicles involved and any injuries sustained.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize, as this can be used against you in any legal proceedings.
- Contact a distracted driving accident lawyer in Las Vegas.
- Notify your insurance company.
NHTSA Creates a Distracted Driver Program
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created the Driver Distraction Program in an effort to educate people about the risks associated with distracted driving and to eliminate car accidents caused by distracted driving.
But, in the meantime, we still drive by people texting or talking on their hand-held cell phones every day. Although this is illegal in the state of Nevada, people, especially young people, continue to break the law.
Injured? Get Your Free Case Review Today
In the state of Nevada, if you suffer an injury as a result of a distracted driving accident, such as texting or talking on a mobile device, you are eligible to file a personal injury claim. Such claims help guarantee the recovery of compensation for your personal injury, including covering lost wages or rehabilitative costs.
In Las Vegas, the legal team at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen can provide the experience you need regarding personal injury and distracted driving. Our attorneys have handled a variety of personal injury claims tied to reckless behavior, including texting, emailing, or talking on the phone while operating a vehicle. We understand that there are many challenges in your recovery process, and are prepared to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
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