Katy Distracted Driving Attorney
Distracted driving causes thousands of unnecessary deaths, and hundreds of thousands of unnecessary injuries every year. It should not be too much to ask for drivers, who often forget that they are operating deadly multi-ton vehicles, to give their full attention to the road and those around them. Unfortunately, distracted driving is worse than it ever has been before. If you were hit by a distracted driver, our Katy distracted driving attorneys at The West Law Office can help you hold that party accountable.
The Three Types of Distracted Driving
There are three types of distractions when it comes to operating a motor vehicle:
- Visual—The distraction causes the driver to take their eyes off the road. Example—looking at a GPS screen to navigate through a busy highway exchange.
- Cognitive—The distraction causes the driver’s brain to drift away from driving, and onto something else. Example—listening to a podcast or audio book.
- Physical—The distraction requires that the driver take their hand or both hands off the wheel to manipulate something else. Example—reaching for something out of sight in the passenger seat.
Many forms of distraction involve two, or all three, types of these distractions. Talking on a handheld phone is a form of both physical distraction and cognitive distraction. Eating food is a cognitive and physical distraction. Engaging in a deep conversation with a passenger can be a form of visual and cognitive distraction. Texting while driving, or using a phone or infotainment screen at all behind the wheel, is all three—cognitive, physical, and physical. This is why texting and driving is so dangerous. It is one of the only common behaviors that drivers engage in that involves all three types of distractions.
Cell Phones Are the Number One Cause of Serious Injury and Fatal Car Collisions
Cell phones are likely the worst invention created in the last fifty years when it comes to traffic safety. Studies have found that the majority of drivers use their phones every time they get behind the wheel of a car. Whether they are using their phone to navigate, talk to a friend, text, or play music, they are allowing their phone to take up at least some of their focus that would otherwise be going to driving. It can be very difficult proving that a driver caused a crash because they were texting, for example. In some cases, the court may issue a subpoena of their phone records, though this is rarely necessary.
Contact a Katy Distracted Driving Attorney Today
Careless driving resulting in distraction is against the law, and the at-fault party can be held civilly responsible for violating their duty of care to drive in a safe and prudent manner. However, their insurance company will do everything in its power to protect themselves and their client, and that can include attempting to devalue your claim, or even place blame on you. To counteract these measures, it is in your best interest to work with a Katy distracted driving attorney here at The West Law Office. Call us today at 283-347-3247 to schedule a free consultation.
