No matter how cautious you are behind the wheel, you are still at risk of sustaining injuries in a car accident caused by another driver. Unfortunately, drivers are often distracted while behind the wheel of their vehicle. As a result, others traveling along the same roadways are at an increased risk of becoming involved in a car accident.
Thankfully, there are some ways you can be proactive while behind the wheel to prevent becoming involved in an accident. While driving, it is crucial to remain diligent in observing the actions of other vehicles traveling alongside you. Being able to spot distracted drivers along Utah roadways can help you protect yourself from becoming involved in a dangerous situation.
Accident victims have a set time in which they can file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for injuries and damages. If you are ever injured in a car accident caused by a distracted or reckless driver, it is crucial to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Signs That Drivers Are Distracted Behind The Wheel
It is crucial for you to keep your eyes on your surroundings while traveling down the road. There are often some obvious signs that drivers are distracted behind the wheel. Noticing them ahead of time can ensure you are protected against them.
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Their Vehicles Are Traveling Too Far To Either Side
In an ideal world, vehicles traveling down the road remain in the center of their lanes at all times. Unfortunately, individuals who are distracted while driving often veer off to either side of the road. In some instances, drivers will cross into parallel lanes and then jerk back over when they realize what they have done. It is crucial for you to keep your distance from these vehicles on the roadways. You can slow down a little, pullover, or take an earlier exit.
Drivers Suddenly Apply Their Brakes For No Apparent Reason
Another example of distracted driving is when drivers apply their brakes suddenly or for no apparent reason. Drivers who multitask behind the wheel tend not to notice when vehicles in front of them are slowing down or stopping. When they do notice vehicles in front of them slowing down or stopping, they often apply their brakes suddenly.
If you are unable to see the vehicles ahead of them, you may not be expected the sudden stop to occur. If you are traveling too closely behind the vehicle as they brake, you may end up rear-ending the distracted driver. It is crucial to keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you at all times, even if you do not have any reason to believe that the drivers are distracted behind the wheel.
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Waiting Excessively At Intersections
Quite often, drivers use red lights to engage in activities aside from driving. Some drivers use this time to check their email, send a text, change their radio, or do other things they are unable to do while actively traveling. When drivers get distracted in activities, they often miss out on noticing the red light changing to green. They may remain still at the intersection after the light changes. When this occurs, it is a clear sign that the driver is not paying attention to the roadways. It is crucial to keep a safe distance from these vehicles on the roadway. There is an increased risk that they will continue to engage in these tasks once the vehicle begins moving. As a result, they may run through an intersection, veer into another lane, or engage in otherwise dangerous activities.
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Wearing Headphones While Driving
Individuals who are wearing headphones while driving are more likely engaging in hands-free use of their mobile phones. They may be making phone calls or sending texts while driving their vehicles. Although their hands remain free and on the wheel while traveling down the road, this does not mean that they are completely attentive to the road ahead. By not being able to hear emergency vehicles or other aural signals on the road, drivers are willingly depriving themselves of a sense that is extremely helpful when driving. Additionally, there is still an increased risk for these vehicles to be involved in car accidents simply because of the activities in which they are engaging in. Driving while being engaged in a conversation forces the driver to shift their attention to the conversation instead of the road ahead. As a result, they are less likely to respond suddenly to emergencies, red lights, or stop signs ahead.
What If A Distracted Driver Causes An Accident?
If a distracted driver causes a car accident and, as a result, you are injured, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the distracted driver. Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Utah courts enable accident victims to obtain remuneration for damages, such as:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Property loss; and
- Other damages.
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer will ensure you obtain the full and fair amount of compensation for your injuries.
A Utah Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
If you are injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, it is crucial for you to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen have over 30 years of experience helping accident victims obtain the maximum amount of compensation for their injuries.
Being injured places a lot of stress on a victim. Accident victims are forced to go through medical treatments, surgeries, and even therapy throughout the process of recovery. Quite often, victims are unable to return to work for several months or, in some cases, indefinitely. In these cases, it is crucial for victims to receive reimbursement to ensure they are able to adequately manage their finances and take care of the financial burdens imposed on them from their car accidents. If you are injured by a negligent or distracted driver, contact Siegfried & Jensen at (801) 845-9000 to schedule a free consultation today.
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