A University of Alabama study found that crashes involving distracted driving in Alabama spiked dramatically in a recent two-year span, adding to the danger of Alabama’s roads—which are already among the most dangerous in the country.
If a distracted driver caused an accident where you or a loved one suffered an injury or death, then that person may be responsible for any losses you sustained because of your injuries. Call our team at the Morris Bart law firm today at (205) 380-4158 for a free discussion about your case.
Know How to Recognize Distracted Driving
If you are unsure whether the driver who caused your accident was distracted just before the crash or at the point of impact, consider the various forms of distracted driving.
Some common modes of distracted driving include:
- Reading or writing text messages.
- Checking or posting on social media.
- Taking photographs or videos.
- Making a phone call or dictating a text message, even if it is hands-free.
- Taking your eyes off the road to engage with others inside or outside the vehicle.
- Taking a hand off the wheel or eyes off the road to adjust the car’s radio or other features of its entertainment system.
- Engaging a navigation system or application.
In many states, a person may be guilty of distracted driving if they take their eyes from the road, hand(s) from the wheel, or attention from driving at any point. Drivers violate this standard all the time, often to no consequence. Still, if the person who caused your accident did anything that qualifies as distracted driving, then you may be entitled to compensation. You might benefit from discussing your case with a Birmingham distracted driving accident lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a Distracted Driving Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call 800-537-8185
Call A Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
Distracted driving is dangerously common, with ever-present mobile phone use being just one driver of the trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the daily toll of distracted driving accidents is steep—it includes not only thousands of injuries but around nine deaths per day.
If the person who caused your accident was distracted, it is almost certain that the attention they took away from the road caused or contributed to your accident and any injuries you suffered. A Birmingham distracted driving accident lawyer can work with you to prove the negligence of the defendant or defendants in your case.
Birmingham Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Distracted Driving Is Usually Negligence
Negligence cases that arise from car accidents will generally involve a lawyer following four broad steps.
Explaining to the Jury That the Defendant Owed You a Duty of Care
The duty of care is the implied duty of all drivers not to put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at unreasonable risk of harm. Distracted driving generally qualifies as an unreasonable risk of harm to others.
Making the Case That the Defendant Breached Their Duty of Care
This argument will look different based on the defendant who you are suing. In a distracted driving case, at least one of the arguments is that the distracted driver (the defendant) breached their duty of care to you by willingly engaging in a behavior that qualifies as distracted driving.
Linking the Breach of Duty of Care to Your Injuries
It is important to show that the breach of duty of care—in this case, distracted driving—caused the accident that caused your injuries.
Explaining to the Jury the Losses You Suffered Because of the Breach
Your lawyer will calculate the damages that you have incurred because of the accident and lobby the jury to award you compensation for these damages.
A lawyer can rely on prior experience and knowledge of the law surrounding distracted driving and negligence in the service of your case. You can call our team at the Morris Bart law firm today at (205) 380-4158 to discuss the next steps towards justice for you.
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Awards May Vary Based on the Nature of Your Case
When distracted driving causes an accident, the consequences are often severe. Distracted drivers may be completely unaware of an impending collision and thus less likely to brake, swerve, or conduct another maneuver that could reduce damage. It is not uncommon for victims of distracted drivers to die because of the accident.
You may be bringing either a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If yours is a personal injury lawsuit, awards may include financial coverage for:
- Pain and suffering
- The cost of any emergency transportation and care
- The cost of any surgeries, tests, or other medical procedures required because of the accident
- The cost of any hospital visit and follow-up medical appointments, including but not limited to rehabilitation
- Lost income due to the accident
- Long-term or permanent disability
- Any dreams or pursuits that will no longer be possible for you due to your injuries (these may be academic, professional, or personal in nature)
- Punitive damages
If you plan to bring a wrongful death claim, you may be entitled to many of the above awards. You may also be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost income of the deceased, especially if they left a family behind
- Lost companionship, comfort, and guidance for the family of the deceased
- The cost of medical care for the deceased
- Funeral-related expenses
- Additional punitive damages, which may be greater in wrongful death claims
There is no replacing your loved one or erasing the effects of your injury, but a Birmingham distracted driving accident lawyer can fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
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Call Our Team at the Morris Bart Law Firm Today
We work on a contingency fee basis, so our clients do not pay out of pocket—we only get paid if you receive a settlement or judgment. Call our team at the Morris Bart law office today at (205) 380-4158 to get started on your case.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
