Distracted driving car accidents in Richmond can happen in just a split second, leaving victims with catastrophic injuries or even resulting in fatalities. Studies show that a driver who simply reaches for an object inside the vehicle is many times more likely to cause a crash. With the widespread use of cell phones and other in-car distractions, these preventable accidents remain a serious danger on Virginia’s roads.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a distracted driving crash, the negligent driver should be held accountable. A skilled car accident attorney at MichieHamlett Law Firm can help gather evidence, prove liability, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Types of Distracted Driving

  • Visual Distractions – This happens when a driver takes their eyes off of the road and thus cannot react to movements of other road users near them in time to avoid a crash;
  • Manual Distractions – This occurs when a driver takes their hands away from the steering wheel and thereby lose some or all control of the vehicle; and
  • Cognitive Distractions – This is when the driver’s mind wanders away from the task of driving, causing them to miss a turn or fail to see other’s signaling in traffic.

A driver may experience multiple distractions at the same time. A study completed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that tasks that are both visual and manual, such as texting or emailing on a phone while driving, increase the odds of a crash by 83 percent.

Common Types of Distracted Driving

  • Talking, texting, emailing on a phone
  • Using a smartphone app
  • Looking at printed maps or a navigation system
  • Eating or drinking
  • Changing the car radio station
  • Talking to the car’s passengers
  • Watching a video
  • Looking at scenery or outside attractions
  • Grooming

How a Skilled Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Can Help With Compensation

Even though the cause of a collision may seem obvious immediately after impact, proving fault becomes more difficult once insurance companies get involved. The insurance company representing the liable party will do everything in their power to deny the claim or settle for less than it is worth. An experienced distracted driving accident attorney will guide you through how to handle the process, collect all medical documentation to substantiate the worth of your case, and negotiate when the insurance companies try to ignore the severity of the injuries sustained.

Contact a Richmond Distracted Driving Car Accident Attorney Today

Distracted driving car accidents in Richmond leave victims with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and lasting emotional distress. Negligent drivers must be held accountable for the harm they cause.

At MichieHamlett, our attorneys know how to investigate these crashes, prove liability, and build strong personal injury claims aimed at securing maximum compensation. Contact us today at our Richmond offices to schedule your free consultation.