Automobile accidents occur for many reasons across Utah. Unfortunately, far too often, accidents occur due to drivers becoming distracted by things that can wait. Drivers who take their attention off the road put others at serious risk of being injured in a crash. There are many laws in place that are designed to prevent individuals from engaging in distracted driving, but sadly, distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of accidents.
Sustaining injuries in a car accident caused by another driver can have a detrimental impact on a victim’s life. This is especially true in situations where the accident occurred due to distracted drivers. It is crucial for those injured to know what is actually considered a distraction in Utah. Determining if an accident occurred due to distracted driving will help victims take the appropriate legal actions against those responsible. By filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, victims are able to hold the distracted driver accountable for their actions.
If you are injured in a car accident caused by a distracted, negligent, or reckless driver, contact Siegfried & Jensen as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Visual Tasks Cause Accidents
Just because a driver has their hands on the wheel does not mean they are free from distractions. There are many things that can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Visual distractions can cause drivers to turn their head away from the road, which places them at risk of being involved in a car accident.
Turning your vision from the road to check the radio, look at a GPS, or to look at someone sitting next to you in the vehicle are all actions that place drivers on the road at risk. In a split second, a vehicle in front of you could stop without you realizing it.
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Manual Actions While Operating A Vehicle
While operating a vehicle, it is imperative for drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel. Doing so provides optimal control over the vehicle, which is especially important in inclement weather and heavy traffic.
Individuals who take their hands off the wheel place others on the roadway at risk of being involved in an accident. Some of the most common reasons for individuals to take their hands of the wheel include to text message or check their phones, eat or drink, put on makeup, or reach for items in the passenger or back seats.
Cognitive Impairment Causes Accidents
Drivers must remain in complete control of their vehicles. People should remain focused on the road ahead of them while also paying particular attention to others on the roadways. It is crucial for drivers to maintain an environment free from cognitive impairments. This means to drive without texting or objects in your hands. Instead, keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Do not look at radios or GPS devices or look for objects in the vehicle. Your eyes should be focused on the road ahead.
Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure your radio is not too loud. You will need to hear what is going on around you. If another vehicle is beeping due to something in the roadway, it is imperative for you to be able to hear it.
If you become distracted for even five seconds on the roadway, while traveling 55 mph, you can cross the distance of a football field without noticing what is happening on the roadway. These actions are extremely dangerous and can place others on the road at serious risk.
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What To Do If You Are Injured By A Distracted Driver?
If you are ever injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, it is crucial for you to contact law enforcement and emergency authorities as soon as possible. You will need to obtain a police report, and you should seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Even if you do not immediately feel the impact of an injury, you should still have a medical exam performed to ensure you do not have any internal bleeding or delayed onset of symptoms.
If possible, take as many photographs of the scene of the accident as you can. You will want to take photos of all the vehicles involved. Zoom in on the point of impact and take a picture of the road conditions at the time of the accident. Take photographs that show any objects in the roadway which may have contributed to the accident.
Speak to any witnesses to the accident. Write down witnesses’ names and contact information, in case you need to take statements from them later to help with your legal claim. Finally, you will want to speak with the at-fault driver. You will want to get the driver’s contact, vehicle, and insurance information. This will greatly assist you when filing your claim with your and their insurance companies. Refrain from taking any responsibility for the accident. Do not claim any fault for the accident while speaking to law enforcement, the other drivers, witnesses, or anyone else. Instead, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help you with your case.
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Utah Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You With Your Claim
If you are injured by a distracted driver in Utah, it is crucial to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Working with an experienced accident auto attorney will increase your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation for damages, including:
- Pain and suffering;
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of consortium;
- Property loss; and
- Punitive damages.
Attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen have over 30 years of experience helping accident victims across the state collect the maximum amount of restitution for their injuries and damages. We have helped over 35,000 accident victims collect over $850 million in remuneration for their damages.
Our attorneys work diligently to protect the legal rights of our clients while navigating through the complicated legal system. Our clients can rest assured knowing their best interest is protected while they focus on recovering. Contact our law office today at (801) 266-0999 to schedule a free consultation.
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