What is distracted driving? Distracted driving involves activities that divert a driver’s attention. Distractions while driving put the driver, his passengers, and everyone else sharing the road, at serious risk of injury. We’ve all seen other drivers going aimlessly down the road while staring at their phones or other devices. Distracted driving causes many automobile crashes each year. We are committed to helping our clients who are hurt by distracted drivers. We are also committed to increasing awareness and education of this problem. Through awareness and education, we can all make our roads safer. Call our knowledgeable motor vehicle crash attorneys today to discuss distracted driving car accidents in Huntsville.
What is Distracted Driving?
Traffic safety experts often classify distractions into three main categories: Manual, Visual and Cognitive.
- Manual distractions are activities where the driver moves his or her hands away from controlling the vehicle. Through the years, we have investigated many personal injury cases where drivers caused automobile accidents while reaching for objects in other areas of their car.
- Visual distractions are activities where the driver focuses his or her eyes away from the road. Many automobile accidents occur because a driver is looking somewhere other than the road.
- Cognitive distractions are activities where the driver’s mind wanders away from the task of driving. These drivers are not mentally focusing and paying attention to the important task of driving their car.
Why is texting so dangerous? Texting is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction at the same time. A person who is texting takes their hands, eyes and mind from the task of driving. What are some major types of distractions faced by drivers each day on our highways?
- Texting
- Eating and drinking
- Using a cellphone
- Turning attention to other passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, often maps
- Using vehicle or personal navigational systems
- Watching a video
- Adjusting the radio
- Attending or disciplining children passengers
Knowledgeable attorneys could explain how these crashes occur in further detail during a consultation and determine if a texting driver was responsible for a collision.
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Dangers of Distracted Driving
While keeping a focus on the roadway may sound like obvious advice, it is too often ignored. Drivers are presented with many activities and devices that can create dangerous risks of distraction.
Texting is a perfect example of how activities can dangerously divert a driver’s attention from the road. Some studies indicate a person’s eyes are diverted from the roadway an average of five seconds at a time while texting. If a driver is traveling at 55 miles per hour and diverts his or her eyes from the road for five seconds, their vehicle will have traveled more than the length of an entire football field. Imagine traveling a distance greater than a football field in a vehicle while blindfolded.
Research from 2011 by the U.S. Department of Transportation revealed startling information about the toll of distracted driving on our highways. According to this research:
- Ten percent of fatal crashes in 2011 were reported as distraction affected crashes.
- An estimated 387,000 people suffered personal injury in automobile accidents due to distracted drivers in 2011.
- An estimated 3,331 people were killed in crashes related to distracted driving in 2011.
The true numbers are likely much higher. Distracted driving plays an unreported role in many car crashes.
The current numbers have also likely increased. While Alabama and other states have enacted laws related to texting while driving, the distractions on our roadways have greatly increased. Portable electronics now allow us easily to watch videos, communicate, view the internet and perform many other tasks all while in our automobiles.
Blackwell law firm is excellent. I rarely leave Google reviews, but this firm deserves 5 stars. My insurance company was taking advantage of me after a wreck. Jen and Jeff did a great job setting them straight! I'm so pleased with my settlement. The firm also has very nice, responsive and knowledgable support staff which seems in short supply these days. My calls and questions were always promptly returned and answered. This is my law firm from here on out.
Response from the owner:Barbara, thank you so much! Yes, we think Jen is the absolute best at helping clients with serious car accident cases!!! She knows how to help clients navigate the issues following a personal injury. She also knows how to make the insurance company pay the maximum compensation to her clients! Our whole team is dedicated to answering your questions and to preparing your case for the best result. Thanks so much for the endorsement!!!
Blackwell Law Firm provided professional, attentive legal support. Their team was understanding, responsive, and guided me confidently through a complex process. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much. We understand the process following a serious personal injury can be stressful and complex for people. Our entire team is dedicated to providing the legal answers and support you need. We want to give you the best possible advice. We also want to prepare your unique injury case for the maximum compensation possible. Again, thanks so much!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much. At Blackwell Law Firm, we want to provide the best possible advice and answers to your questions concerning Alabama personal injury law. We are so happy we could help!
Nice office. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Patricia Kuhn especially helpful in getting all the documents correct. Next time I need a service like this, I will be back!
Response from the owner:Thanks so much. We love to answer legal questions and provide help!
Marcus and I would like to thank the Blackwell Law Firm for all the hard work they done for us to Mr.Blackwell and your staff Patricia and Danielle yall are amazing we appreciate all the hard work you did .To any that need a attorney this is the way to go BEST IN HUNTSVILLE AND ATHENS. They always make sure you know everything that's going on. We are well please with them. Thanks to my cousin for recommending them.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Annette, for your kind words. We are so grateful we could work on your case. Yes, Patricia and Danielle are amazing! Our whole team is dedicated to building the best case for you. It was a pleasure working for you guys. Please tell your cousin thanks as we love referrals! If you guys ever need anything, we are here.
Danielle is Amazing, held a smile the entire time speaking to her, she is very sweet and kind, i walked in just to speak to you guys real fast and it was an amazing experience, she deserves a raise‼️
Response from the owner:Thank you so much. Danielle is fantastic!!! She cares deeply about our clients.
Danielle is AMAZING, she greeted me with a warm and friendly smile and helped me with everything I needed
Response from the owner:I agree! Danielle helps our personal injury clients every step of the way. Our entire team is dedicated to client service! Thank you so much.
I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of my settlement! My case was very complicated, but Jeff, Patricia, Danielle and his entire staff went above and beyond my expectations fighting for me! Jeff will tell you he likes a challenge!
I know they went to court 5 times for me due to the treatment I was receiving from the shoddy doctors and even the adjustor on my case. So if you’re looking for the best attorney in Huntsville you need to call them. They will make sure you receive the care you need and a great settlement too.
Response from the owner:We are so happy we could work for you to get a great outcome! I'm also thankful for our entire team who worked hard fighting for your workers compensation benefits. Our philosophy is that the best results are achieved through constant preparation and hard work. We are grateful for the opportunity to help. If you ever need anything, we are here for you!
Seek Assistance from a Huntsville Attorney to Discuss Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving car accidents in Huntsville are a major safety risk on our roads. The Blackwell Law Firm is committed to helping people who have suffered serious injury from automobile accidents. The firm frequently represents people who have suffered spinal injuries, ruptured disks, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, paralysis and other severe injuries caused by the negligence or careless acts of other drivers.
If you or a family member has suffered an accident, we would be happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to call. Case consultations are always free.
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