Although texting and driving is against the law in most states, these types of distracted driving accidents happen all too often. Our auto accident attorneys at Moore Law Firm have seen the devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences that can result from texting and driving accidents. We’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Texting And Distracted Driving Statistics
Distracted driving is a serious problem that kills thousands of people each year. According to the CDC, There are three major types of distraction that can occur while you’re behind the wheel, including:
- Visual distraction, which involves averting your eyes from the road
- Manual distraction, when you remove your hands off the wheel, and
- Cognitive distraction, which takes your attention off driving
Other distractions that often cause serious car accidents include talking on the phone, adjusting controls, eating and drinking, speaking with passengers, and dealing with children and pets while driving.
Texting is the most perilous type of distracted driving, as it includes all three types of distraction. Reading or sending a text message takes your eyes away from the road for approximately five seconds – if you’re driving at 55 mph, you can cover the length of a football field in this very short period of time.
More than 330,000 accidents are caused by texting and driving each year. A texting driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash than a non-texting driver, according to Drive Safe Alabama. Drivers who text while operating a vehicle are also more likely to cause a crash than those driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Teens & Texting While Driving
Young people are most susceptible to the dangers of texting while driving. Newly-licensed teen drivers may not be confident on the road and adding the temptation of texting while driving can be a recipe for disaster. According to a survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 50% of teen drivers said they used a mobile phone and more 25% admitted typing or sending a text while driving. If you’re a parent, talking with your teen about the serious risks of distracted driving and setting a good example when you’re behind the wheel is critical in helping them develop safe, responsible driving habits.
Alabama Distracted Driving Law
Alabama banned texting while driving in 2012. In Alabama, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any handheld device, even hands-free. Wireless devices are allowed to be used to call emergency services, drivers may use their phones while parked on the shoulder of the road, and GPS devices with preprogrammed addressed are permitted to be used while driving. In 2019, lawmakers introduced a bill that would make the use of handheld devices, including mobile phones, illegal for all drivers. Although it passed through the state House, it didn’t get the approval it needed in the Senate.
Types Of Accidents Caused By Texting And Driving
Two of the most common accidents that involve texting and driving are rear-end collisions and sideswipe crashes. Other types of accidents that can result from texting and driving include:
- Head-on collisions
- Side impact (T-bone) collisions
- Single-car accidents, such as crashing into a telephone pole
- Crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists
Injuries Sustained In Texting And Driving Accidents
Even at lower speeds, these types of accidents can cause neck, back, and spinal injuries such as whiplash or a herniated disc. Back and neck injuries often lead to chronic pain and require ongoing physical therapy, medications, and other costly medical treatment. When texting and driving accidents occur at high speeds, the results can be fatal. They can also lead to serious injuries such as broken or crushed bones, traumatic brain injury, amputation, disfigurement, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries. Regardless of the force of impact, it’s possible to be injured in an accident at any speed.
Proving Fault In Texting And Driving Cases
Even if you suspect that the motorist who caused your injuries was texting and driving, you need evidence to back up your claim. Our texting and driving accident lawyers are well-versed in putting together the pieces of the puzzle when it comes to proving fault in car crash cases. Our team will investigate how the accident occurred and collect evidence to support your claim. Common types of evidence that can be used to prove texting and driving and other driver distractions include:
- Police or accident reports in which a driver admits to texting while driving
- The at-fault party’s phone records showing that a text message was sent or received at the time of the collision
- Witnesses who can testify that they saw the driver texting, holding, or looking at a phone while driving, or that they heard them admit they were texting and driving
- Footage from security and red light cameras installed at an intersection where the texting and driving accident occurred
- Forensic Data Download from Cell Phone that contains all information including call, web history, messages, and log entries on what the device/driver was doing at the time of accident.
Typically, cell phone records provide the strongest evidence that a driver was texting while driving. Obtaining a driver’s mobile phone records usually requires a subpoena, so it’s vital to have an experienced texting and driving accident attorney take care of tracking down and analyzing this valuable evidence. The same can be said as it relates to obtaining a Court order to a forensic download of the cell phone.
Why You Need An Attorney
Proving any personal injury claim can be challenging to do on your own. Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests, and often try to offer minimal settlements or attempt to deny valid claims. Our texting and driving accident lawyers are experienced in accurately valuing personal injury claims. We can help you recover maximum compensation for damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Wrongful death
Quality Legal Representation With No Up-Front Costs
Our legal team has a proven track record of success when it comes to going up against insurance companies and winning. Since 1985, we’ve represented more than 12,000 clients in personal injury cases. We offer free consultations and never charge attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. You won’t incur any out-of-pocket expenses until your case has been completed. Our lawyers are available anytime you have a question or concern. Although recovering maximum compensation for our clients is our primary goal, we also strive to provide compassionate support to take some of the weight off your shoulders and help you get through challenging times after an accident.
Contact Our Texting And Driving Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt or you’ve lost a family member in a texting and driving accident, we can help. At Moore Law firm, we fight for your rights, protect your interests, and provide top-notch legal representation you can trust. Contact us today or call our Mobile personal injury lawyers today at 251-445-7602 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.