Distracted Driving Accidents
Helping You Get the results You Need
Athens Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyers
Were You Hit by a Distracted Driver?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,300 fatal traffic accidents are caused by distracted driving each year. Based on some reports, at least 8% of all car accidents, fatal or otherwise, are caused by a distracted driver, but some safety groups estimate this percentage is likely much higher due to distracted drivers falsely reporting that they were not distracted at the time of the crash. If you were hit by a distracted driver, the statistics mean that you are in no way alone, especially if you get reliable and compassionate legal counsel from The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC.
Our Athens distracted driving accident attorneys are here to guide you through your car accident claim from start to finish. Distracted drivers do not like to admit fault because they know there could be serious or even criminal consequences for their actions. They will put up a fight when you want justice and compensation, but we’ll be ready to step up to every challenge on your behalf.
Work with The Athens Injury Attorney at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC. Call (706) 760-9220 today to ask for a free case consultation.
Types of Distracted Driving Behaviors
Distracted driving occurs when any type of distraction diverts the driver’s attention away from the road. Distractions can be manual, visual, auditory, and cognitive. Manual distractions involve taking hands off the wheel, visual distractions occur when eyes are taken off the road, auditory distractions involve sounds that divert attention, and cognitive distractions mean the mind is focused on something other than driving. Using a smartphone while driving is particularly dangerous as it typically involves all four forms of distraction at once, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Common types of distracted driving behaviors include:
- Texting or talking on a smartphone: Engages visual, manual, auditory, and cognitive distractions.
- Eating or drinking: Takes hands off the wheel and diverts attention from the road.
- Adjusting in-car devices: Such as GPS or radio, which requires both visual and manual attention.
- Conversing with passengers: Can create cognitive and auditory distractions.
- Daydreaming or mind wandering: Involves cognitive distraction, where the driver's focus drifts away from driving tasks.
Proving the Other Driver Was Distracted
Proving that the other driver was distracted when they hit you is an important step in establishing liability. Distracted driving, particularly due to smartphone use, is rampant, yet most drivers will not voluntarily admit to it, so the correct use of evidence and arguments is crucial. The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC can use our decades of practice experience to prepare your case, which includes using any available proof or evidence that will benefit your claim.
Evidence that might show the other driver was distracted includes:
- Cellphone records: Although obtaining cellphone records is a complicated process, doing so may definitively show that the other driver was texting or calling at the time of the accident.
- Traffic camera footage: Traffic cameras in the area may have captured images of the driver using a phone or engaging in other distracting behavior.
- Witness statements: Testimonies from bystanders who saw the driver distracted could be helpful.
- Vehicle data: Some modern cars have systems that log data showing the use of in-car electronics. Obtaining this information can be just as complicated as getting cellphone data records, so it should only be handled by a skilled car accident attorney.
Ready Your Case with Our Help
Distracted driving accident claims can be as complicated as they are frustrating if the other driver tries to dodge liability for what they did. Get all the help you need to start and manage your case and all its challenges by coming to The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC in Athens today. Our team is ready to fight for your right to justice and fair compensation for your losses.
Get a free case evaluation by dialing (706) 760-9220 today.