When a Crash is Caused by a Distracted Driver.

Distracted driving is illegal in many states including Pennsylvania, yet it is still an ongoing issue.

When an accident is caused by a distracted driver, it can often be difficult to prove.  Distracted driving accounts for many car accidents; the number one distraction being texting while driving.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 660,000 drivers use an electronic device behind the wheel each day during daytime hours.

It is important to know that distracted driving includes more than just texting.  It includes activities like eating while driving, handling the radio or applying makeup.  Anything that takes the attention of the driver away from the road is considered distracted driving.

If you have been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, here are a few ways to prove distracted driving caused the accident.

• A police report: A police report filed after an accident can show the conditions of the accident and it may also show an initial evaluation of who was at fault.
• Witnesses: A witness can be anyone who saw the accident occur.  This can include onlookers or passengers in any of the vehicles involved.
• Cell phone logs: Text message records can prove if a driver was using their phone at the time of the accident.
• Photos and video: Any photos or video that were shot by a witness can be used to identity distracted drivers.

The NHTSA urges drivers to turn off all electronics and put them out of reach before heading out onto the road.  If you are a passenger and your driver is texting while driving, speak up and encourage them to pull over.  Also, always wear your seat belt.  Seat belts can help protect you in accidents caused by distracted drivers on the road.

Recovering compensation after an accident.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green.  Proving your accident was caused by a distracted driver can be complex. Our attorneys will provide you with a free no obligation consultation to evaluate your case.  Call 412-661-1400 to speak with an attorney today.

Source:

NHTSA, “You’ve got one job: driving safely.”