Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has emerged as one of the most dangerous driving behaviors on today’s roads, posing an ever-growing threat to the safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounts for thousands of preventable accidents and fatalities each year. Whether it’s texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or even using a GPS device, distractions divert attention away from the road, often with catastrophic results.

As awareness of distracted driving continues to rise, so too does the need for accident victims to understand their rights and options for seeking compensation. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you don’t have to navigate the legal aftermath alone. The Dashner Law Firm is committed to helping victims of distracted driving secure the compensation they deserve, holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

What Constitutes Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving encompasses any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. While texting and driving is the most well-known form of distracted driving, other behaviors are just as dangerous. Here are the three main types of distractions drivers face:

1. Visual Distractions: These distractions take your eyes off the road. Examples include:
   • Looking at a cell phone screen
   • Checking a GPS device or map
   • Glancing at passengers or objects in the car
   • Staring at an accident on the side of the road (also known as rubbernecking)
2. Manual Distractions: These involve taking your hands off the wheel. Some common examples include:
   • Eating or drinking
   • Adjusting controls such as the radio, climate settings, or mirrors
   • Reaching for something inside the vehicle (like a phone or bag)
   • Smoking or handling personal items
3. Cognitive Distractions: These distractions take your mind off the task of driving. This can include:
   • Engaging in deep conversations with passengers
   • Daydreaming or being preoccupied with personal thoughts
   • Being distracted by emotional stress or fatigue
   • Focusing on tasks other than driving, such as planning your day

One of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving is texting, which combines all three types of distractions—visual, manual, and cognitive—into one behavior. Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, which at highway speeds is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field without looking.

The Devastating Consequences of Distracted Driving

The consequences of distracted driving can be severe and far-reaching. In Texas, where roads are often congested and traffic laws are strictly enforced, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious or fatal accidents. Some of the most common types of accidents caused by distracted driving include:

• Rear-End Collisions: When a driver is distracted, they may not notice that the vehicle in front has slowed down or stopped, leading to rear-end crashes. These accidents can cause serious injuries like whiplash, back injuries, and concussions.
• Intersection Crashes: Drivers who fail to pay attention at intersections are more likely to run red lights or stop signs, leading to T-bone or side-impact collisions. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the force of the impact.
• Lane Departure Accidents: A distracted driver may drift out of their lane, leading to sideswipe or head-on collisions, especially on highways where vehicles are traveling at higher speeds.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents: Distracted drivers are less likely to see pedestrians or cyclists, particularly at crosswalks or in residential areas, leading to tragic accidents.

Injuries from these types of accidents can range from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. In the worst cases, distracted driving accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated by the sudden and preventable loss of a loved one.

How The Dashner Law Firm Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, The Dashner Law Firm is here to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the compensation you deserve. We understand that the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to holding distracted drivers accountable and securing justice for accident victims.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Comprehensive Investigation: Proving distracted driving requires a thorough investigation. Our team will gather critical evidence, including cell phone records, traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports. We will work tirelessly to establish that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident.
2. Expert Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of distracted driving claims or offer low settlements to victims. We will handle all communications with insurance adjusters, negotiating on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term rehabilitation needs.
3. Personalized Legal Strategy: Every case is unique, and we understand that each client’s situation requires a tailored approach. Our attorneys will develop a personalized legal strategy that takes into account your specific injuries, financial needs, and long-term recovery goals. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and ensure that your rights are protected.
4. Trial-Ready Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and will present a compelling case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We fight aggressively for our clients, whether in settlement negotiations or at trial.

Why Choose The Dashner Law Firm?

With years of experience handling car accident cases, The Dashner Law Firm has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We understand the devastating impact that distracted driving can have on victims and their families, and we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation allowed under the law.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.
• Client-Centered Approach: Our clients are our top priority. We take the time to understand your unique situation and provide compassionate, personalized legal representation.
• Proven Results: We have successfully secured millions in compensation for accident victims, helping them recover from the physical, emotional, and financial hardships caused by distracted driving.

Contact The Dashner Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact The Dashner Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.