In 2010, more than 3,000 victims died as a result of texting while driving accidents. Cell phone use while driving accounts for 1.3 million distracted driving crashes each year. While most accidents involve texting and cell phone use, driving distractions come in all shapes and sizes and are typically split up into three different categories: visual, cognitive and manual. Any time, a driver’s eyes are not on the road, this is a visual distraction. When a driver is not thinking clearly about the situation at hand, this is a cognitive distraction and when a driver’s hands are not on the wheel, this constitutes a manual distraction. Most car accidents that take place are a direct result of driving distractions.
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, the chief causes of distracted driving accidents are cell phone use while driving, reaching for an object in the car, looking at something other than the situation immediately surrounding you (such as rubbernecking), reading, and applying makeup. Many people assume that practice makes perfect, and that if they are used to multi-tasking while driving then they will be safety. Quite the contrary is true. Statistics show those who have driving distractions more frequently are at a higher risk for accident.
Although many laws have been enacted by certain states regarding texting while driving, most drivers continue with such practices. Those most at risk for causing a texting while driving accident are drivers under the age of 20, who, with their lack of experience combined with distractions, cause accidents more frequently than any other group of people. With more than 32,000 people dying in U.S. traffic collisions per year, distracted driving statistics may not seem like such a big deal. The truth is, although driving distractions do not account for the majority of vehicular deaths per year, it does contribute significantly to the amount of injuries.
How Hiring a Houston Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer Will Help
If you were injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving, then you should definitely speak with a texting while driving accident lawyer. At de Lachica Law Firm, they are more than prepared to take on the case of those injured due to the recklessness and negligence of another. Those who have distractions while driving should be held accountable for their actions. Depending on the severity of your accident, you could be suffering from chronic pain that needs continued care, you may need compensation for lost wages or compensation for rehabilitation costs. Whatever the particulars of your case, it would be best to speak with a texting while driving accident lawyer from de Lachica Law Firm so that you can find out exactly what you are entitled to.