Distracted Driving and the Legal Consequences for PA Drivers
Distracted Driving and the Legal Consequences for PA Drivers
Distracted driving is a plague that has gotten worse over the years, most notably due to the proliferation of cell phones. Yet, cell phones aren’t the only cause for distractions. People eat, put on makeup, fuss with their GPS/pets/kids, smoke and scores of other activities other than driving safely.
More specifically:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says distracted driving is dangerous claiming 3,450 lives in 2016 alone. The safety agency adds that 391,000 persons were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015.
There is no excuse for distracted driving, even if the person driving claims that they were only distracted for a ‘few seconds.’ As you can see in this video, A person going 55 MPH can travel the length of a couple of football fields in a few seconds.
Even more serious, distracted drivers can be charged with crimes, up to and including vehicular manslaughter.
How to Avoid Being Injured by Distracted Drivers
The answer is pretty cut and dry: Pay attention. If you are driving on a road or highway and you see erratic driving behavior, simply avoid that person. Swerving, irregular speeds, drifting in and out of lanes and failing to use a blinker are all signs that the person may be distracted.
Similarly, if you are a pedestrian, always pay close attention when on a sidewalk or at an intersection. Always allow plenty of time for oncoming traffic to stop before attempting to cross the road, be mindful of people trying to turn and always control any children you are supervising when near a road.
What to Do if You are Injured by a Distracted Driver?
First, make sure that you are OK and seek/request medical attention as soon as possible. Try and record any part of the scene of the accident, including pictures, notes, etc. Look for possible cameras in the area on buildings and at intersections.
Try to remember if you saw the person who was operating the vehicle. Did they have their eyes on the road? Did they have something in their hand? After the accident, did you see them trying to get rid of something or tuck something away, like food wrappers or their phone? Do they have pets or children in the car?
All of these things may indicate that a driver could have been distracted.
If you have been injured in a vehicular accident and you believe that the driver was distracted, give the law office of Murray L. Greenfield & Assiciates a call. Our office has represented thousands of people who have been victims of motor vehicle injuries. During a free consultation, one of our attorneys will review the circumstances of the events leading to your injury and determine if you are entitled to compensation.
Murray L. Greenfield & Associates work on a contingency basis, meaning that we don’t get paid unless you receive a positive result in your case. Call for your free consultation today.