Distracted driving accidents have been steadily on the rise since cell phones began to be widely used. In the past, sources of distraction for drivers were somewhat limited. They could include manually changing the CD in their car or talking to passengers. Now, a driver could be doing almost anything from sending a text message to ordering a pizza on their cell phone. With the invention of smart “infotainment” systems that are now integrated into newer model cars, there are more sources of potential distraction than ever before. It can be difficult to prove that a driver was distracted, and in many cases, people may not even be immediately aware that a car accident was related to distracted driving.
Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC is skilled at investigating the causes of car accidents. As attorneys, we have a number of investigative tactics available to us. We use everything from witness testimony to traffic cameras, and we may also be able to access cell phone records to prove the negligence of the at-fault driver. Distracted drivers can be just as dangerous as drunk drivers, and the accidents they cause can be just as damaging. It is best to call us immediately after an accident, if possible. The sooner we can begin interviewing witnesses and examining the scene of the accident, the more likely it is that we will be able to find and preserve important evidence.
Drivers are faced with more potential sources of distraction than ever. Between cell phones and the sophisticated infotainment systems often found in newer model cars, there is almost no limit to what a driver could be doing while driving instead of watching the road. Drivers could be:
The danger of distracted driving accidents is that drivers who do not fully pay attention to the road often fail to take steps like braking or swerving to mitigate or prevent an accident. These collisions often occur at full speed, making them more dangerous for those involved. Serious or catastrophic injuries can occur, especially if the driver strikes a pedestrian or motorcyclist.
Witness testimony can be very helpful in these accidents, as it may be challenging to prove that the driver was distracted. We may also use traffic camera footage or cell phone records showing that a text was sent just before the accident. Our goal is to demonstrate that the other driver was negligent so that we can help you recover the full amount of damages you are eligible for.
