Driving safely requires the driver’s full attention to be on the road and the other vehicles and people on it. Unfortunately, far too many motorists in Washington, D.C., engage in distracting behaviors when they should be focused on traffic and their surroundings. From texting to adjusting the radio to snacking, any activity that takes a driver’s hands, eyes, and attention from the road puts other people at risk.
If you have suffered injuries in a distracted driving accident in D.C., the team at Marks & Harrison wants to help. Our Washington, D.C., distracted driving lawyers have been helping accident victims for over 100 years. Our staff includes dozens of hardworking professionals committed to maximizing your compensation. Our case results include some of the biggest cases in the region’s history, and we want to add yours to our list of wins.
Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a car accident attorney, and let’s demand justice together. Contact our Washington DC car accident attorney today.
What Is Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving includes any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from what they and other drivers are doing. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the country, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths and over 400,000 injuries annually, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Different Types of Distracted Driving Behaviors in Washington DC
Distractions take three broad forms, according to the CDC:
- Cognitive distractions, which take the driver’s attention off the task of driving
- Visual distractions, which take the driver’s eyes off the road
- Manual distractions, which take the driver’s hands off the wheel
Many unsafe driving behaviors combine two or all three types of distractions.
Here are some practical examples of some of the behaviors that distracted driving encompasses:
- Texting while driving
- Using a GPS or other electronic devices
- Talking on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Tending to children in the car
- Adjusting music or vehicle controls
- Daydreaming or getting lost in thought
What Makes Distracted Driving So Dangerous?
Distracted driving heightens all of the potential risk factors in a collision. Distracted drivers are more likely to speed, increasing the impact force in a crash and causing more significant injuries. They are also more likely to overlook potential hazards, leaving them less time to react, if they have any time to react at all. Distraction could cause a motorist to crash without braking or swerving.
Distracted drivers are a particular hazard to pedestrians and cyclists, as these road users are harder to see and are also more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries in a collision.
Does Washington DC Have a Texting While Driving or Cell Phone Law?
It is illegal to text or otherwise use a cell phone while driving in Washington, D.C., unless the driver is using a hands-free system. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these laws, putting themselves and others on the road in danger.
Common Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving Car Accidents
Distracted drivers are more likely to inflict severe injuries in a car accident because they are more likely to speed and have less time to react to road hazards.
Common injuries from distracted driving accidents in Washington DC include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Broken bones
- Joint damage
- Back injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Mental health conditions (for example, PTSD)
How Can a DC Car Accident Lawyer Prove Another Driver Was Distracted and Caused the Crash?
One essential aspect of a distracted driving accident lawyer’s job is proving that the driver who hit you wasn’t paying attention.
Some types of evidence your lawyer can gather to help substantiate your case include:
- Cell phone records – A lawyer can request cell phone records to show that the driver was texting or making calls at the time of the accident.
- Dashcam footage – Videos from dashcams, either from the involved vehicles or nearby cars, can capture the driver’s actions just before the crash.
- Eyewitness testimony – Witnesses to the accident can say whether they observed the other driver engaging in any distracting behaviors.
- Police reports – The official accident report might include initial findings by law enforcement about signs of distracted driving, including whether the driver received a ticket for distracted driving.
- Surveillance videos – Videos from nearby security or traffic cameras can provide concrete proof of the driver’s behavior leading up to the accident.
Potential Compensation from a DC Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawsuit
If a distracted driver caused a car accident that injured you in Washington, D.C., that person and their insurance company might owe you compensation for the harm you suffered as a result.
The compensation could include money for your:
- Medical bills – You can demand compensation for all your medical-related costs from the crash, including emergency services, hospital stays, medications, and any ongoing physical therapy you need.
- Lost wages – If your injuries affect your ability to work, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost as a result. You could also recover compensation for lost future earnings if you cannot return to work at the same capacity after the crash.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced due to the accident and your injuries.
- Property damage – You can also seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
How Long Do I Have to File My Car Accident Lawsuit in Washington DC?
The Code of the District of Columbia gives you three years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit against any at-fault parties. If you miss this deadline, you will most likely lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries in court, so don’t wait to talk to our car accident lawyers.
Contact Our Washington DC Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyers
Have you been injured in a crash caused by a driver who was not paying attention to the road? The Washington, D.C., distracted driving accident lawyers with Marks & Harrison have seen the catastrophic toll these crashes have and want to help you pursue maximum compensation. Our Washington DC personal injury lawyer can help.
Call us today or reach out online for a free case evaluation.
