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Understanding Distracted Driving: Types and Causes
Missouri is an at-fault state i.e. a party liable for causing an accident by negligent driving will be required to cover damages or loss incurred by the injured party. Distracted driving is one of the types of negligent driving that causes vehicle-related accidents in the modern era. With the increased usage of smartphones & other digital devices, the number of accidents caused by distracted driving has also increased. Therefore, it is important to understand the legal implications & compensation options available to the injured party in cases of distracted driving.
There are four types of distracted driving:
- Manual distraction: It requires one or both hands of the driver off the steering wheel to perform a task.
- Visual distraction: Tasks that require the driver to look away from the road to obtain visual information.
- Auditory distraction: Voice and sound distraction that takes the driver’s attention off the road.
- Cognitive distraction: Thinking about something else that is occupying the mind’s attention while driving the car.
Need a lawyer for distracted driver accidents in Kansas City? Our experienced legal team at Royce Injury can help you secure compensation. Contact us today!
Distracted Driving Accidents Statistic in Kansas City
With ongoing social media hype and increased dependency on smartphones, the number of distracted drivers has increased significantly as compared to the pre-pandemic era. People keep using their phones even while driving to make social media content to keep up with the latest trends. Such distracted driver accidents are a bigger threat to the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, children playing on streets, etc. As per the Missouri Department of Transportation, nearly half of the fatalities that occurred in an accident due to distracted driving are the ones who came in contact with the vehicle during distracted driving. In 2023, distracted driving caused approximately 100+ fatalities. The prevalence of social media & smartphones in today’s world has contributed significantly towards distracted driving.
Proving Liability in Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving lawyers, being experts in their field, may assist the claimant in determining liability in cases of distracted driving by assessing individual claims. Generally, the distracted driver may be considered liable for damages and loss suffered by the injured party. However, depending on the circumstances and factors contributing to the accident, the following parties may also be considered liable for a distracted driving accident:
- Vehicle manufacturers may be liable for any technical fault in the vehicle which may have contributed to the distraction.
- An employer may be liable in cases where the driver is on duty.
- In-built apps in the vehicle that may require the complete attention of the driver to operate may also increase the chances of distracted driving.
In such cases, liability may shift completely or partially towards the relevant party that caused distraction.
What Immediate Steps Should You Take After a Distracted Driving Accident?
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What Kind of Compensation Can You Expect After a Distracted Driving Accident
Consulting a distracted driving accident attorney may better equip the injured party to identify relevant compensation heads to which they may be entitled. Generally, a person injured in a distracted driving accident may be entitled to receive the following compensation:
- Medical expenses incurred during the short and/or long treatment for injuries suffered.
- Wages lost due to accident and subsequent recovery.
- Loss of property involved or damaged in an accident may also be claimed.
- Disability due to injuries may also be compensated.
- Psychological injuries, e.g., anxiety, PTSD, memory loss, etc., may also be considered for compensation.
- The court may also impose fines on the distracted driver for violation of traffic laws.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Distracted Driving Accident Claim?
Consulting our expert lawyers for distracted driving accidents enables you to have a thorough understanding of your rights and obligations. Additionally, our lawyers provide a legally accurate and proper estimation of compensation value to which you may be entitled according to the circumstances leading to the accident, injuries sustained, and expenses incurred subsequently. We also provide settlement negotiation services for you to receive proper compensation. Consulting and hiring an expert attorney enable you to have your claim ready for efficient and prompt submission as per the relevant legal procedure. Our expert injury attorneys are readily available to assist you at every step of the way.
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