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Distracted driving is a common cause of serious car accidents. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, anything that causes the driver to take his eyes of the road for even a split second, can result in a car crash. 3,238 people died in distracted driving incidents in 2012. 421,000 people were injured in car accidents resulting from people who weren’t paying attention. Distracted driving is considered reckless, and if you injure someone you could be charged with a serious crime. If you kill someone while driving recklessly, you could end up being charged with vehicular homicide. If you are injured in a crash because another driver failed to pay proper attention, please contact the Philadelphia distracted driving lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys to learn about your rights.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
While it may seem like it takes a split second of time to grab something from the floor or dial a phone number, the reality is, during the time you are looking away from the road, your car will have traveled a great distance. It is very easy to rear end another car during that time, even if you are just slowly creeping forward in traffic. When you text, your car often follows your eyes as you turn the wheel without realizing. This makes people swerve into other lanes, sideswipe other cars, or to leave the road. These kinds of accidents are very serious and often result in death or substantial injuries to the drivers and passengers of all involved. A lawyer in Philadelphia could help someone take legal action if a distracted driver put them in danger.
Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is illegal in Philadelphia. However, the number of people texting when behind the wheel has not decreased since the law was passed. Texting is especially dangerous because it requires you to take a hand off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and a certain amount of manual dexterity to actually type the text. If you cause a car accident while texting, you will be found responsible for the damage. A look at your cell phone or a subpoena for your cell phone records will quickly let the police know the truth. A person who causes a distracted driving crash likely will have to pay lost wages, pain and suffering and punitive damages. This is because driving while distracted is often considered to be gross negligence. You should contact a Philadelphia attorney if you were in an accident with a driver who was distracted by their phone.
Preventing Distracted Driving
The best way to prevent driving while distracted is simply to avoid focusing on anything other than the road. Don’t text, eat, put on makeup, talk on the phone or engage in any other activity than driving. It is tempting to check your phone for emails or texts or to answer it when it rings, but can whatever it is really not wait until you get home or to a safe location? One way to prevent yourself from even having the temptation to look at your phone is to use one of the apps available which makes it impossible to use your phone while your car is moving. Many cell phone providers now have these kinds of apps. If you must speak on the phone, consider installing a hands-free tool. While hands-free cell phone use is not required in Pennsylvania, it is required in many other states including New Jersey. If your car does not include blue tooth, you can buy relatively inexpensive devices that will enable you to use your phone without holding it while driving. Keep in mind though that talking on the phone, even hands free, is still a distraction.
Speak with a Philadelphia Distracted Driving Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident due to an inattentive driver, please call the Philadelphia distracted driving lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys. We understand the issues surrounding reckless driving cases and will help you seek the financial compensation to which you are entitled.
