Fatal Injuries from Distracted Driving: Everything You Need to Know
With the proliferation of cellphones and social media, society is continually getting more and more addicted to their devices. Studies have shown that an average person touches their phone about 2,617 times a day and spends about 30 hours a week just browsing. This newfound addiction is widespread, and while technology has come with many benefits, it has also led to the rise of distracted and dangerous driving.
Distracted driving is extremely hazardous, and it puts both you and everyone else on the road at risk. In 2015 alone, distracted driving was responsible for claiming the lives of 2,841 people. If you have a family member who has been the victim of a fatal accident from distracted driving, you will understand the frustration of negligent drivers. While no monetary amount can replace the value of your loved one, you may be eligible to receive compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.
What Constitutes as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is the action of operating a motor vehicle without your full attention on the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 3 types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distracted driving is when you drive without your eyes on the road, and manual distracted driving is when you drive without your hands on the steering wheel. Cognitive distracted driving is one of the most common, and it occurs when drivers are not fully focused on driving. Oftentimes, distracted driving occurs due to reasons such as:
- Calling or texting on a phone
- Eating food
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting music
- Zoning out
Regardless of the type, all forms of distracted driving are extremely dangerous. Thus, it is of utmost importance to stay focused at all times when operating a vehicle.
What Can a Wrongful Death Claim Do?
When fatal injuries occur, the family of the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party. According to Florida’s negligence statutes, a successful wrongful death lawsuit can provide compensation for expenses such as lost wages, funeral payments, lost companionship, medical bills, and more. In the case of car accidents, wrongful death claims can be filed against the party at fault if the accident was caused due to negligence.
Searching For a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Losing a loved one is never an easy experience for anyone, especially when the death has been caused due to someone else’s negligence. In the process of mourning, many will find it difficult to manage the legal paperwork on top of their emotional distress. If this situation applies to you, hiring a personal injury lawyer may be beneficial. Not only will they be able to assist you with your legal burdens, but a successful wrongful death lawsuit can also help your family get the justice they deserve. To discuss your options and schedule a free consultation with the Orlando car accident attorneys at the Payer Law, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (866) 930-1238 today.
Resource:
online.king.edu/news/cell-phone-addiction/
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
https://www.payerlawgroup.com/top-2-common-causes-of-workplace-injuries/
