We are personal injury attorneys who have achieved results for our clients in Joplin for over 40 years.
Distracted driving happens when a driver’s attention shifts away from the road due to activities like texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers. These distractions reduce reaction time and increase the risk of accidents, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Even a momentary lapse in focus can have devastating consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Moreover, distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, often resulting in severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens for victims and their families; according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, 3,308 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
The impact goes beyond just those directly involved in the crash; it affects entire communities. Understanding the dangers and legal options available is essential for those seeking justice and compensation after an accident.
At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, we help victims of distracted driving accidents in Joplin, Missouri, hold negligent drivers accountable. With more than 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases, we work to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, but we are committed to guiding our clients through every step, ensuring they receive the support and advocacy they need to move forward.
If you’ve been the victim of a distracted driving accident in Joplin, Missouri, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. Our skilled lawyers are ready to help.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is a silent threat on our roads. It can lead to devastating accidents and serious injuries. People see it every day—drivers glued to their phones, fiddling with the radio, or engaging in heated conversations.
But what exactly constitutes distracted driving, and how can you recognize it?
Types of Distractions:
- Manual Distractions: These occur when drivers take their hands off the wheel. It might be to grab a snack, adjust the air conditioner, or handle a pet or toddler.
- Visual Distractions: These happen when drivers divert their eyes from the road. Searching for items in the car or looking at a GPS screen are common examples.
- Cognitive Distractions: These occur when drivers’ minds wander from driving. Daydreaming, talking to passengers, or deep thoughts also fall into this category.
According to the CDC, distracted drivers are a pressing concern, resulting in nine deaths every day. Texting while driving is an alarming behavior among these distractions. It is particularly dangerous as it combines manual, visual, and cognitive distractions; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides more information on this issue.
The consequence? Severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries and brain injuries, can result from accidents caused by negligent drivers. Distracted driving is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a deadly risk factor on the road. By staying informed, we can all contribute to safer driving practices and, ultimately, safer roads. As a personal injury law firm, we are deeply committed to aiding victims of such accidents. Our knowledge of accident reconstruction helps us fight for justice and compensation.
Common Types of Driver Distractions
Driver distractions can cause severe car accidents, from minor fender benders to serious rear-end collisions. Let’s dive into some commonplace distractions that might lead to these incidents.
Mobile phone use is a leading distraction. Texting or scrolling through social media while driving diverts our eyes from the road. Even hands-free calls can take our focus away, increasing the risks of distracted driving accidents. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety provides more information on the use of mobile phones while driving. For example, in a 2021 survey, 37% of individuals admitted to talking on the phone while driving, 34% admitted to reading a text or email while driving, and 23% had manually typed or sent an email or text message.
Eating and drinking while driving might seem harmless, but it occupies our hands and attention. A spilled drink can potentially lead to car accidents. Adjusting the stereo or climate controls is another frequent distraction. These actions require drivers to glance away from the road, which can lead to rear-end or head-on collisions when combined with a lapse in focus.
Talking to passengers demands attention that should be focused on driving. Engaging deeply in conversations can interfere with your awareness, possibly causing hit-and-run or even pedestrian accidents.
People might not think sneezing is a distraction, but it can unexpectedly cause a loss of control, which can be extremely risky while driving. For more information, visit our blog entry, “The Hidden Dangers of Sneezing While Driving.” Finally, daydreaming or mind-wandering is perhaps less recognized, but it also poses a serious risk of vehicular accidents.
Missouri Laws on Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major concern in Missouri, especially with the passage of the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, which aims to curb distracted driving by prohibiting drivers from using electronic devices unless they are in hands-free mode. This law, effective as of August 28, 2023, positions Missouri among the proactive states addressing the issue of texting while driving and reflects the growing awareness and legal action used to mitigate the dangers on our roads.
In line with national efforts, Missouri aligns with campaigns like the NHTSA’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, which underscores the deadly dangers and legal ramifications of distracted driving. Such campaigns highlight the importance of keeping our focus on the road, bringing attention to the broader issue of driver safety nationwide.
In addition to these state and national regulations, penalties in Missouri become more severe when accidents occur due to distracted driving. Violations leading to property damage of more than $5,000 are treated as Class D misdemeanors, which can result in up to 7 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. This emphasizes the seriousness of adhering to safe driving practices.
Can You Sue a Distracted or Reckless Driver?
What happens when someone’s momentary lapse in judgment leads to another’s lifelong suffering? Distracted or reckless driving is not just a minor slip; it’s negligence with potentially severe consequences. Imagine losing wages or encountering hefty medical bills due to someone else’s carelessness.
In Missouri, like many states, distracted driving can be a basis for a personal injury claim. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation. This includes payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
An attorney’s role can ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Let’s consider what you can recover in a lawsuit. Common damages include property damage to your vehicle, medical costs for ongoing treatment, and any income lost while you recover. These are essential to easing your financial burden.
In dire situations, such as a wrongful death claim, the compensation might be extended to cover medical expenses. For more information, please refer to the Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 537.080 action for wrongful death.
Our firm takes pride in standing by those affected, ensuring justice is fully served. It’s not just about a legal claim; it’s about restoring balance in your life.
How Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien Can Help?
Do you need a Joplin car accident lawyer who’s got your back? We’ve been dedicated to serving this community for over 40 years. At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, our experience in personal injury, primarily related to distracted driving accidents, sets us apart. We understand the complexities of such cases and how they can physically and financially affect victims.
We start by thoroughly investigating the accident. Our team gathers evidence, talks to witnesses, and examines accident reports. This meticulous approach helps us build a strong case for our clients. Our Joplin, Missouri, personal injury attorneys are focused on transparent communication, so we ensure you’re informed every step of the way. Ultimately, we prioritize making the legal process as straightforward as possible.
Ready to explore your options? We offer a comprehensive, free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case. We believe in fighting for what’s rightfully yours. Reach out today for informed legal advice and trusted guidance from our experienced team.
Please contact us for more information on how we can assist you.
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