Virginia Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Though public awareness campaigns and laws against cell phone use have significantly reduced distracted driving accidents, statistics show there is still far to go in terms of eliminating them. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) publication on Traffic Crash Facts reveal that there are around 120 fatalities every year linked to distracted driving; another 13,000 people are injured annually because of motorists not paying attention. Victims’ lives are shattered when a careless driver refuses to put down the phone and focus on the road.
Fortunately, Virginia laws provide you with remedies after a distracted driving crash causes injuries or claims the life of a loved one. Our team at the MichieHamlett Law Firm is dedicated to helping you pursue them, so please contact us to set up a free consultation with a Virginia distracted driving accident attorney. Some background information about your rights may also be useful.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Any activity that draws a motorist’s attention away from safe operation of the vehicle creates a risk of accidents because they affect visual, manual, and cognitive capabilities. Reviewing or typing a text, talking on the phone, surfing the internet, and other cell phone use are often to blame, but there are other forms of distracted driving, such as:
- Eating or drinking;
- Grooming and putting on makeup;
- Interacting with a GPS;
- Adjusting the radio;
- Searching for items in a purse or bag;
- Looking at a roadside incident, i.e., “rubbernecking”;
- Driving with a pet; and,
- Many others.
Seeking Compensation for a Virginia Distracted Driving Accident
Most traffic crashes occur because of carelessness and/or driver error, but the legal concept of liability is negligence. To recover compensation, you must prove that the responsible motorist failed to exercise reasonable care when driving and directly caused the collision. Distracted driving is just one of many types of negligence.
Your first step in the legal process is filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but you can expect challenges. Insurers are in business for profit, so your claim is a threat to the company’s bottom line. If the insurance provider refuses to settle for a fair amount, you must file a lawsuit in court to recover compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and related losses. At the MichieHamlett Law Firm, we will support your interests through such tasks as:
- Conducting an investigation to gather evidence of distracted driving;
- Filing out claims forms and submitting them to the insurer with supporting documentation;
- Engaging in settlement discussions with the insurance company;
- Preparing documents to initiate litigation; and,
- Advocating on your behalf in court.
Talk to a Virginia Distracted Driving Car Accidents Attorney About Your Options
If you were hurt because a negligent motorist was texting, talking on the phone, or engaged in other forms of distracted driving, you need experienced legal counsel to assist with the claims process. For more information, please contact the MichieHamlett Law Firm to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with one of our distracted driving lawyers. Once we review your circumstances, can advise you on your options and next steps.
