Distracted Driving Car Accidents

Each day, nine people are killed and over 1,000 people are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver, according to the NHTSA. When we hear the term “distracted driver”, cell phones are usually what comes to mind first and it is often we hear about car accidents in Providence that result from a driver texting or talking on a cell phone. Car crashes caused by cell phone use are common but distracted driving, a type of driver inattention, is not just limited to cell phones but also other activities that can divert a driver’s attention away from their focus on the road.

Driver distractions can be caused by a number of factors and commonly include:

• Talking or texting on a cell phone
• Eating
• Drinking
• Applying makeup
• Changing the music station
• Inputting data into a GPS
• Adjusting the temperature in the vehicle
• Passengers in the car i.e. a child, friend, pet

If you are injured in an auto accident by a driver who was texting and talking on a cell phone, speak with an experienced Providence car accident attorney immediately. You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the at fault driver who hit you to seek compensation for your damages. Rhode Island has strict laws regarding texting and driving and if the driver who hit you is proven to be negligent in causing the accident and your resulting injuries, the driver is responsible for the damages they caused you. Damages may include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and out of pocket expenses. At Tapalian Law, our knowledgeable attorneys have helped victims of auto accidents in Providence and throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts seek maximum compensation for their losses after being hurt by a negligent motorist.

Compensation rewarded in an accident case is largely based on the extent and severity of your injuries. Injuries from car crashes involving distracted drivers are not only limited to physical issues like back pain or concussions, but also emotional health problems such as PTSD. Long-term health problems can have a lasting effect on your life and may require long-term medical treatment which may make you eligible for a higher monetary reward. With all types of accident injury claims, strong evidence is the key to winning the most compensation and even minor details that you can remember from the accident could help solidify your case. For example, if you were rear ended by a distracted driver and you remember seeing the driver’s car drifting behind you before the crash, this could be very beneficial information. You may be overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed after an accident, so seek out an experienced personal injury lawyer in the Providence area to expertly navigate you through this difficult time.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation to help prevent drivers from texting or using a hand-held cell phone while driving. Under Rhode Island Law, there is a strict texting and hand-held cell phone use ban which prohibits all vehicle operators from driving and using a hand-held device. There is no direct ban on all cell phone use (Bluetooth/speaker use is allowed) except for teen drivers under age 18 and school bus drivers. Drivers who use their hand-held cell phones while driving may be fined up to $100 and even receive a 30-day license suspension.

Despite state laws, a large number of car accidents in Providence and throughout Rhode Island are caused by texting or talking on a cell phone. Even a quick text can distract a driver for at least 5 seconds, which is “long enough to cover the length of a football field while driving at 55 mph” according to the CDC. Some studies show that taking your eyes off the road for 2 seconds can double the odds of a car crash. Motorists might think that they are capable of multi-tasking, but the brain has very limited ability to perform two tasks at once and driving while using a cell phone is a threat to the safety of everyone on the road and is considered negligent behavior. Although cell phones make our lives easier and communication faster than ever before, they can also be a highly dangerous and deadly distraction for drivers and no one, not even the most experienced driver, should be texting and driving.

Choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you can make when attempting to recover your losses from a texting and driving accident. At Tapalian Law, our car accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience helping clients in Providence, Rhode Island and Massachusetts recover their losses related to distracted driving crashes. Our experienced legal team can help you collect quality evidence, negotiate with the insurance companies, and ensure that the police records are accurate. Although no amount of money can fully compensate the lasting damage caused by an auto accident, we can help get justice for you and your family by filing a claim against the negligent driver who caused the collision. Injuries sustained from a car crash can cause lasting physical and psychological pain and you deserve a personal injury lawyer that will fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation that you deserve. Call Attorney David Tapalian today at 401-552-5000, or use our easy, online contact form.