Digital Distractions: The Dangers of Texting and Driving

Instant text message communication is a part of our daily lives. Roughly nine-in-ten Americans own a cellphone and nearly two-thirds own a smartphone. One of the easiest and most convenient ways of communicating with someone is through text messages, as one can often text in situations where he or she might not be able to talk. Unfortunately, the ease of texting has resulted in the fairly common practice of texting while driving, which can be extremely dangerous.

Why is Texting and Driving So Dangerous?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are three primary types of distractions that are particularly dangerous when driving. Firstly, there are visual distractions, where you take your eyes off of the road and look at something else. Secondly, there are cognitive distractions, where you stop focusing on the road and let your mind wander elsewhere. Finally, there are manual distractions, where you take your hands off of the road to do something else. Texting while driving illustrates is an extremely dangerous distraction from driving because a driver who texts experiences all three of these types of distractions at once.

What Types of Damages Could I Receive from a Distracted Driving Lawsuit?

If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault and you believe the at-fault driver was texting at the time of the accident, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. Damages often awarded in a personal injury lawsuit include:
• Medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription medication
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity due to an inability to work after the accident;
• Pain and suffering that you experienced as a result of the accident; and
• Loss of companionship.

If a jury determines that the at-fault driver’s distracted driving was reckless or intentional, then punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver for his or her conduct and deter similar incidents from happening in the future.

Injured by a Distracted Driver? Speak to an Attorney Today!

If you have been injured in a car accident by an at-fault driver who was texting and driving at the time of the accident and you are considering filing a lawsuit for your injuries, time is of the essence. In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of your accident to bring a claim. If this statute of limitations passes, your claim will likely be barred. George Angelopoulos has the experience to help you fight your case. To schedule a free case evaluation, please call (615) 422-7171 today.

Sources:

Phone statistics: https://www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/26/chapter-1-always-on-connectivity/