The harm that distracted drivers can cause can be extensive. It can cause serious injuries and other harm victims of distracted drivers may least expect. For that reason, victims of distracted drivers should be familiar with scope of the problem of distracted driving and legal protections that may be able help.

How serious is the problem of distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention from driving. During 2018, an estimated 400,000 victims were injured in distracted driving accidents and another estimated 2,800 victims were killed in fatal distracted driving accidents.

Drivers can prevent distracted driving by not multitasking while driving. They should avoid adjusting mirrors, selecting a radio station, eating their breakfast and reading email while driving. Distracted driving includes any behavior that removes the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway; hands from the wheel or eyes from the road. It includes cell phone use, texting while driving, grooming while driving and adjusting a navigation device while driving. Any of these behaviors can be risky while driving.

Legal protections for victims of distracted driving

Distracted driving is prohibited in most states. Distracted drivers may also find themselves civilly liable to victims harmed by their actions and negligence. A personal injury claim for damages can help victims of a distracted driving-related car accident recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages suffered because of the negligence of a careless distracted driver.

If a victim suffers medical damages, they may be able to recover medical damages; if they suffer lost wages, they may be able to recover compensation for lost wages; and if they suffer emotional damages, they may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering. Personal injury legal protections are a vital resource for victims of distracted driving to be familiar with.