While distracted driving has always been a concern, the advent of the smartphone has elevated the issue to an entirely new level. When a driver chooses to pay attention to something other than the road ahead and the traffic all around, they put everyone on the road at increased risk. If a distracted driver leaves you or someone you care about injured in a traffic accident, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights is to consult with an experienced Buffalo distracted driving accident lawyer.
Distracted Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) doesn’t beat around the bush when it describes texting as the most alarming distraction. While just about anything can distract motorists from their primary task of driving safely, texting amplifies the problem. It takes an average of five seconds to type or read a text. During that time, a motorist traveling at highway speeds covers about the length of a football field, which is far too distance to drive blind.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports all the following distracted driving statistics for 2022:
- 3,308 people lost their lives to distracted drivers.
- Distraction-related fatalities have increased by 4 percent since 2013.
- 12.1 percent of the distraction-related fatalities involved smartphone usage.
Driver distractions break down into three primary categories, which include:
- Visual distractions that involve the motorist’s sight
- Cognitive distractions that involve the motorist’s thoughts
- Manual distractions that involve the motorist’s hands
Texting has the singular distinction of involving all three at the same time.
Building a Strong Case
You must prove several elements to bring a successful car accident case based on the other driver’s distraction. These include the fact that the other driver breached the duty of care they owed you. If they were texting – or doing anything else that took their attention away from driving safely – you’ll need to demonstrate this fact, which often comes down to evidence like the following:
- The testimony of eyewitnesses
- Dashcam and traffic camera footage
- Photos and videos captured at the scene
- The police report and any tickets that were issued
- Other driver’s cell phone records, which could indicate phone usage at the time of the accident
From here, you’ll need to prove that the other motorist’s distraction was the direct cause of the accident that left you injured and that you suffered legal damages – or covered losses – as a result. Our skilled distracted driving accident lawyers will strive to build the most substantial claim, including each required element.
Make the Call to an Experienced Buffalo Distracted Driving Lawyer Today
The knowledgeable Buffalo, NY distracted driving lawyers at Steve Foley Law Firm welcome the opportunity to skillfully guide your claim toward an optimal outcome that supports your fullest recovery. Your claim is important to your future, so please don’t delay contacting us online or call 716-575-3236 for more information about what we can do for you today.