Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
Drivers have been distracted since the first driver got behind the wheel of the first car. But the types and frequency of distractions have definitely increased since the advent of smart phones, navigational systems, and other hand-held devices. In fact, about 431,000 people were injured due to distracted driving in 2014 alone. A MA car accident lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured by a distracted driver.
The reality is, our entire life is at our fingertips (or rather, in our pockets) at all times. What better way to break up the boredom and monotony of a long drive than to text a friend, check your email or Facebook, or make a quick phone call? Unfortunately, taking your eyes or focus from the road, even for a few seconds, can be deadly. Even placing your smart phone on the dash or passenger seat can pose problems. When the phone lights up or dings to alert you to a text message or email, it’s hard to resist the temptation to glance at your phone.
Is Hands-Free Safe?
The best way to prevent distractions from smart phones is to keep your phone in your glove box, purse, or somewhere else that is not visible while you’re driving. If you absolutely must make a call, send a text, check directions, or read an email, pull over to a safe location or ask a passenger to do it for you. You can also use hands-free technology to make a call or send a text, but there is quite a bit of controversy surrounding the safety of hands-free devices; although they keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, a distracted mind can be just as dangerous.
How to Identify, and Avoid, Distracted Drivers
Even if you are the most responsible driver on the road, there’s no guarantee that the drivers with whom you share the road are also responsible. In fact, there’s a better chance that most of them have read or sent at least one text while driving. For this reason, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to the other cars and trucks on the road. Although you can’t always tell when a driver is distracted, there are several behaviors that can help you identify a distracted driver. Many of these behaviors are similar to those of intoxicated drivers. Avoid driving too close to a driver who is:
- Drifting out of the appropriate lane and swerving to get back.
- Slowing down without actively braking, when there doesn’t appear to be a good reason to do so.
- Slamming on the brakes.
- Driving erratically.
Proving that a driver was distracted at the time of an accident isn’t always an easy task. However, if you believe that a distracted driver crashed into you, the best thing to do is call the police. If law enforcement finds evidence that the driver may have been using a smart phone or other hand-held device, he or she can issue a citation. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, this citation can be of immense help to your case. The police report can also be used to build a successful case. Evidence of smart phone use while driving may include:
- Usage records from the cellular carrier
- Testimony from witnesses
- Surveillance or traffic cam footage
An experienced Boston motor vehicle accident attorney will know how to look for evidence that can help you win your case.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Personal Injury Law Firm Serving All of MA
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. Our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys will analyze the details of your case to determine the most appropriate strategy, and position you for the best possible outcome. If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. We can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
