Distracted driving can cause severe accidents that result in devastating injuries. When drivers do not pay attention to their surroundings, they lose the ability to react and avoid hazards. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a distracted driver, it is important to seek out legal representation. A distracted driving lawyer in Plano can help you navigate the claim process and hold them accountable.
The Texas Law Dog stands up for you when you are wrongfully injured. We have many resources, and our founder uses his background in insurance to build stronger cases that get better results. When you work with a Plano car accident lawyer, we provide valuable guidance to help you get through the claim process and receive maximum results.
Damages Can Be Recovered in Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted drivers can leave you dealing with staggering expenses that could threaten your ability to get quality care. Since this can affect your injuries and your future, recovering compensation quickly is important. A Plano distracted driving attorney can negotiate on your behalf so you receive a settlement that covers your monetary and intangible losses. As such, you may recover one or more of the following:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Equipment and accommodations
- Property damage expenses
- Lost earnings
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of companionship and/or consortium
The value of your settlement will depend on the number of injuries you sustained and their level of severity. Your Plano personal injury lawyer will make sure these factors are taken into account so that your settlement sufficiently covers all of your losses.
Hire a Plano Distracted Driving Lawyer to Help You Hold a Distracted Driver Responsible
Distracted drivers can cause serious damage when they take their eyes or focus off the road. Many of these accidents could be avoided with better focus. Because distracted driving collisions are based on negligence, victims have the right to seek out a lawyer, get help with filing a car accident case, and recover compensation. During your case, your lawyer will show that the other driver was negligent.
Drivers are expected to proceed with caution and remain alert and focused at all times. When they get distracted, they fail to execute their responsibilities as a motorist in Texas. Because they were engaging in actions other than driving, they caused an accident and hurt you as a result. Once their responsibilities and actions are established, they must pay for the damages they caused you.
To successfully demonstrate the other party’s negligence and what you suffered as a result, you should keep thorough records of your medical care, vehicle repair estimates, loss of income, and any other related losses you sustained. This documentation serves as vital evidence and can strengthen your case. Talk to a lawyer about collecting evidence after a car accident if you are unsure what you can use.
Plano Distracted Driver Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Common Forms of Distracted Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its most recent report about distracted driving in 2023, which highlighted how common distracted driving is throughout the country. They estimated that there were 3,275 fatalities and 324,819 injuries as a result of distractions. Some of the most common forms of distractions included:
- Cell phone use
- Vehicle occupants
- Adjusting vehicle controls or the radio
- Reaching for an object
- Eating/drinking
- Smoking
- Inattention
- An object inside or outside the vehicle
These distractions can often be divided into three categories. Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind wanders or they engage in an activity that reduces their focus. Visual distractions are those that cause a driver to take their eyes off the road, even for a second. Manual distractions are those that occur when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel, such as adjusting vehicle controls.
Distracted Driving Accidents Cause a Wide Range of Injuries
An accident caused by distracted driving can cause a wide variety of injuries that range from whiplash to death. These accidents can leave you facing several challenges and requiring a considerable amount of medical care. A doctor can determine the best form of treatment for you based on your injuries. Some common injuries caused by distracted driving include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones and sprained muscles
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Internal damage
- Chronic pain
- PTSD
- Death
Injuries from an accident can be deceptive. While you may think that your injuries are minor, adrenaline can often mask your true condition. As such, you should be examined by a medical professional after a collision to get the proper care you need. This can make all the difference in the outcome of your recovery.
Shared Fault Can Limit Your Compensation
It is important to be aware that your settlement could be reduced if you shared fault for the accident in any way. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33, drivers who contribute 50% or less to an accident can recover proportionally reduced damages, while those over 50% at fault do not recover damages. You should consult your lawyer to make sure you do not lose valuable compensation.
Start Your Claim Before It’s Too Late
While focusing on your recovery is natural after an accident, you only have a very limited amount of time to recover damages after an accident. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you have 2 years to initiate and resolve your claim before it expires. If you wait too long, you could be left assuming fiscal responsibility for your losses.
The Texas Law Dog Helps You Rebuild Your Life After a Distracted Driving Accident in Plano
The Texas Law Dog is your ally when you have been the victim of a distracted driver. We know how overwhelming your losses can be, and our lawyers fight for you so you can begin to rebuild your life and finances.
Contact a distracted driving attorney in Plano today to schedule a free consultation and talk to our lawyers about getting the justice you deserve.
