These days, when someone talks about distracted driving, most of us tend to imagine drivers with their cell phones in their hand, busily texting away. It is certainly the case that texting and other smartphone use is a significant source of driver distraction, evidenced by how most states (including Georgia) have implemented restrictions on the ways in which drivers can use phones while driving. Texting, however, is just one example of the virtually limitless distractions that can take our attention from the road ahead.
Driver Distractions Have Been Around Since the First Cars Took to the Road
It is a safe bet that distracted driving occurred when the first drivers took to the roads. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main categories of driver distraction:
- Cognitive Distractions – Anything that takes a driver’s mind off of driving can be considered a cognitive distraction.
- Manual Distractions – Tasks that require a driver to remove his or her hands from the wheel constitute manual distractions.
- Visual Distractions – Visual distractions occur when a driver looks at things other than the road ahead.
With these expansive categories, we can easily imagine countless things that could distract a driver. Here are some of the more common ways in which drivers distract themselves that do not involve cell phone use:
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at scenery
- Eating
- Drinking
- Looking for items in the car
- Adjusting the radio
- Reading
- Using a GPS device
- Grooming
- Applying makeup
Do You Need a Gwinnett County Car Accident Attorney to Recover Compensation?
Many people wonder whether they need to retain an attorney after being involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver. If the distracted driver’s insurance company concedes liability (which it normally will in a distracted driving accident case), it will likely make a settlement offer soon after the accident—making hiring a lawyer seem unnecessary. As an accident victim, however, keep in mind that insurance companies will try to settle a case for as little as possible. Without significant legal training and experience, it is difficult to determine what a case is actually worth. For this reason, anyone injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver should retain a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer. Failing to do so may result in significant uncompensated losses.
Call Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC Today to Speak with a Gwinnett County Car Accident Lawyer
Accidents caused by distracted drivers can entitle victims to significant compensation. For this reason, if you have been hurt in a wreck caused by a driver you believe was distracted, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can. To schedule a free case evaluation with personal injury attorney David Brauns, call our office today at 404-418-8244 or send us an email through our online contact form.
