There are more ways for motorists to become distracted than ever before. From cell phones to other devices, access to things like texts or videos is unlimited. These factors are a common cause of distracted driving car accidents in Lafayette.
If someone injured you in a crash because they were distracted, they could be held liable for your losses. Holding them accountable might be easier said than done, especially if they have the support of their insurance carrier. A dedicated car accident attorney from Tomeny | Best could help you even the odds and pursue the damages you are entitled to recover.
Types of Distractions
Numerous factors contribute to Lafayette distracted driving car accidents. Each of them falls into three broad categories: physical, mental, and visual distractions. Any act that draws a person’s attention away from driving increases the chances of a crash.
Physical
Anything that causes a person to remove their hands from the steering wheel while driving qualifies as a physical distraction. This is dangerous, as it can be difficult to control a vehicle with one hand in many situations. Some examples include reaching for the radio dial or eating.
Mental
Some distractions are entirely in a person’s mind. If their attention is on something other than operating a motor vehicle safely, the chances of a crash increase. This includes daydreaming or focusing on a conversation with a passenger.
Visual
One of the most dangerous things a motorist can do while driving is look away from the road ahead of them. Vehicles can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, so looking away, even for a few moments, can result in a driver failing to notice a slowing vehicle or a pedestrian in their path. This type of distraction might involve watching a video, looking in the glove box for a snack, or reading an email.
Potential for Monetary Damages
When a person is injured by a distracted driver in a Lafayette car accident, they have the right to seek compensation. The extent of their monetary award is based on the physical, emotional, and financial hardships they experienced due to the crash. Two different categories of compensation are available: special damages and general damages.
Special Damages
Special damages include the economic damages that cover the measurable financial losses experienced in a car crash. They are objective, given that they only cover out-of-pocket costs like medical bills or lost wages. Establishing the exact value of these claims can be possible using documents like employment records, medical bills, and car repair estimates.
General Damages
General damages are defined as the non-economic damages that people might incur. They are important, but they are not as simple to prove. These subjective losses cannot be measured, but an attorney could make a case that they are appropriate. Pain and suffering damages are the most common example.
Determining the worth of an injury case can be difficult, especially without help. Our knowledgeable legal team could evaluate every aspect of a claim and pursue a fair settlement value.
Call a Lafayette Attorney for Help With Your Distracted Driving Car Accident Case Today
The consequences of a distracted driving car accident in Lafayette can be life-altering for many families. If you were hurt in a crash with a driver who was not paying attention, they could be liable for your losses.
Our well-versed lawyers are here to advocate for you every step of the way. Contact Tomeny | Best as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation.