You’re cruising down the road when suddenly your phone buzzes with a text. You glance down for a split second to see who it’s from. Look back up, and you’ve rear-ended the car in front of you. We’ve all been there – a quick distraction turns into a fender bender in the blink of an eye. But now your bumper is crunched, and you’re exchanging insurance info on the side of the road. Don’t worry, we have your back. Keep reading to learn what steps to take next if you’ve been in a Reno car accident caused by distraction. With some handy tips from an experienced Reno car accident lawyer, you’ll be prepared to deal with insurance companies, track down witnesses, and protect your rights after an accident. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to do to get the compensation you deserve.
The Consequences of Distracted Driving Accidents
Cell Phone Use
Using your cell phone while driving is a major distraction and causes many accidents in Reno each year. Whether you’re texting, calling, or scrolling through social media, it takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds – long enough to cause serious harm. If you must use your phone, pull over and stop your vehicle in a safe place first.
Eating and Drinking
Attempting to eat or drink while driving diverts your attention and can be disastrous. Spilling that hot coffee in your lap or dropping your burger all over the floor is bad enough, but losing control of your vehicle is even worse. Wait until you’ve reached your destination before eating or drinking.
Loud Music
Cranking up the tunes may seem like a great way to make time pass quickly on your drive, but loud music reduces your ability to hear emergency vehicles, horns honking, and other important sounds that help keep you safe on the road. Keep the volume at a reasonable level so you can still be fully aware of your surroundings.
Fatigue
Driving when you’re overly tired is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Your reaction times are slower, your decision-making is impaired, and you’re much more likely to doze off at the wheel. If you feel extremely drowsy while driving, pull over right away and rest or ask someone else to drive. Your life is worth more than any destination.
No matter how mundane the drive may seem, stay focused on the road at all times. Distracted driving puts you, your passengers, and everyone else at risk.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been in a Distracted Driving Accident
Distracted driving is dangerous and against the law. When you take your eyes off the road, or your mind wanders while driving, your reaction times suffer, and you put everyone’s safety at risk. According to studies, distracted drivers have slower reaction times than drunk drivers.
Fines and Legal Trouble
If caught driving distracted, you’ll face legal consequences like heavy fines, license suspension, and even jail time for repeat offenses. Is that text message or burger really worth all that trouble?
Injuries and Fatalities
Distracted driving accidents frequently lead to injuries and deaths. Emergency rooms see thousands of people each year suffering from injuries sustained in crashes where distraction played a role. Tragically, over 3,000 lives are lost annually in the U.S. due to distracted driving.
Increased Insurance Rates
After an at-fault accident, especially one involving distraction, your auto insurance premiums will likely skyrocket. Some insurance companies may even drop you, forcing you to seek high-risk coverage at exorbitant rates.
Vehicle Damage
Finally, distracted driving often results in damage to vehicles that can cost thousands to repair. Is glancing at your phone worth the expense of a new bumper or worse?
Conclusion
Stay focused on the road, not your devices or other diversions. Obey hands-free laws, and pull over if you need to make a call or send a message. Your life and the lives of everyone sharing the road with you depend on it.
