Car accidents have become more of a common occurrence over recent years. While this may be due in part to the increase in the amount of traffic of late, you will find that there are certain factors that are more prevalent amongst recent collisions. Distracted driving has turned into a significant issue, with many individuals choosing to divide their attention between the road and objects such as a cell phone.
You may have noticed drivers nearby who are not carefully watching the road. Distracted drivers often exhibit the same signs as drunk drivers, and can be every bit as dangerous.
How can I spot a distracted driver?
Distracted drivers pose a threat to anyone nearby, and you may find that reacting in time to avoid a collision under these circumstances can be challenging, if not impossible. Staying vigilant may allow you to spot these drivers ahead of time, and some key aspects to spotting a distracted driver are as follows:
- Traffic lights: Perhaps you are sitting at a traffic light, and when it turns green, the car in front of you does not move. While you may not be in any danger at that instant, disaster can strike at any moment when nearby drivers have other things on their minds.
- Swerving: You may notice a nearby vehicle that is constantly crossing into the next lane, even if only partially. Distracted drivers are often incapable of keeping a vehicle between the lines.
- Head movements: If you happen to be close enough to another vehicle to see the driver’s head constantly looking downward or to the side, he or she likely feels that other people and/or objects are as important as your safety.
A recent study indicated that nearly one out of every four motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana and across the country involves the usage of cell phones, with as many as half of recent collisions involving distracted driving of some kind.
What to do if you’re the victim of a distracted driver
Individuals who operate a vehicle in this way are often clueless about the possibility of an accident until it happens. With the lack of control involved, these collisions are often catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries or worse. Perhaps your accident caused you serious harm, and you may be wondering how to obtain compensation for any financial struggles you are now experiencing.
If the other party is deemed negligent in the accident that caused you severe pain and suffering, you may choose to file a personal injury claim through the civil justice system. Since this process can be stressful and intimidating, an experienced attorney can provide you with advice throughout this difficult period. Your attorney can assist you in pursuing any compensation to which you may be entitled to help cover many of your unfortunate expenses.