Distracted drivers are responsible for many of the motor vehicle crashes that occur in Huntsville every single day. Distractions behind the wheel can interfere with a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely and lead to severe collisions. For years, drivers have caused accidents by driving while eating, changing the radio station, fixing their hair or makeup, or turning to talk to their passengers. The prevalence of cell phones has made distracted driving an even bigger problem.
Texting while driving car accidents in Huntsville can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one sustained harm in a distracted driving crash, a dedicated car crash attorney at the Blackwell Law Firm could help you pursue the compensation you deserve in a personal injury claim.
The Dangers of Texting Behind the Wheel
Different types of distractions can cause different kinds of problems for drivers. What makes texting from behind the wheel so risky is that it simultaneously causes visual, motor, and cognitive distractions.
Visual Distractions
Drivers who fail to check their mirrors and monitor their surroundings may not know what is happening on the road around them. They might not see a traffic light turn red, which could cause them to crash into the stopped car in front of them. When a motorist looks down at their cell phone to read a text, that action is a visual distraction that takes their eyes off the road.
Motor Distractions
Responsible drivers use both hands to hold onto the wheel. If they need to avoid an object in the road suddenly, they might use both hands to turn the wheel quickly. When drivers text, they take one or both hands off the wheel to type, creating a motor distraction.
Cognitive Distractions
Drivers must stay focused on their driving duties. When a motorist composes a response to a text or reads a message, their mind wanders away from what they should be thinking about. If they are not focused on driving, they may not be able to respond quickly or appropriately in a crisis.
Texting is dangerous because it combines all three types of major driving distractions. Our experienced Huntsville attorneys understand the dangers of texting drivers and could fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Proving Liability in a Huntsville Texting While Driving Accident
After an accident, not many motorists will admit that they were using their phones. To prevail in a legal claim, our local attorneys could comb through the evidence from the crash to look for proof that the driver was texting. We could review the police report and take note of the police officer’s observations. Legal counsel could also speak with witnesses to the crash to see if they noticed the driver holding their phone or looking down, which could indicate they were reading a text message. Our legal team could follow the necessary procedural channels to gain access to the motorist’s cellphone records.
Discuss Texting While Driving Car Accidents with a Huntsville Attorney
Texting while driving car accidents in Huntsville can have tragic consequences. A single lapse in judgment by another driver could permanently alter the course of your life. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be left unable to work or care for your family. An uncertain future may understandably cause you great amounts of stress and mental anguish.
However, you have legal rights and options in these situations. A knowledgeable attorney could take action against the at-fault driver and help you move forward with your life. Contact the Blackwell Law Firm today to schedule your confidential consultation.
(256) 261-1315
