When you are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, it is your responsibility to keep your full attention on the road. Unfortunately, not every driver upholds this important duty—and even a split-second distraction can have catastrophic consequences.
From texting and talking on the phone to applying makeup and eating on the go, distracted driving takes many forms, but each type can be just as dangerous as the last.
If you’ve been injured due to a distracted driver, a Knoxville car accident attorney can help you pursue justice.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road, even briefly. This is one of the more common forms of distracted driving and the type that comes to mind first for many people. Common examples include looking at a GPS device, glancing at a passenger, reading a text message, or rubbernecking to view an accident scene.
At 55 miles per hour, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. In that short time, a hazard can appear, traffic can slow unexpectedly, or a pedestrian could step into the street. All of these factors create almost perfect conditions for a collision.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions happen when a driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel. Reaching for an object, adjusting the radio, eating, drinking, smoking, and personal grooming are all behaviors that affect a driver’s control over their vehicle.
Even with both eyes on the road, a driver may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision if their hands are occupied with another task.
Cognitive Distractions
Many people do not consider cognitive distraction a form of distracted driving, but it can be just as dangerous as the other types. This behavior diverts a person’s mental focus away from the critical task of operating a vehicle.
Driving requires continuous concentration and split-second decision-making. Allowing your mind to wander puts you, your passengers, and others on the road in danger. Talking to passengers, daydreaming, focusing on stressful emotions, or engaging in complex thoughts are all forms of cognitive distractions that can pull a driver’s attention from the road.
Legal Action After a Distracted Driving Accident in Tennessee
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Tennessee is a fault accident state, which means that the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible. As long as you prove the other driver’s liability, you could recover a settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the crash.
To protect your rights, it is important to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence of the other driver’s distraction and negligence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They can also handle communication with the insurance companies and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers your losses.
At The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto, we are committed to holding distracted drivers accountable and securing the financial recovery you need to move forward. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, we can fight for you.
Contact us at (865) 691-2777 today for a free case evaluation.