Even a few seconds of distracted driving can result in a catastrophic accident. About 3000 people die every year due to distracted driving accidents. A lot more suffer serious injuries, including traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries.
While there are many campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, it remains one of the top causes of car crashes in the United States. If you suffered an accident due to distracted driving, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. Our Brentwood distracted driving lawyer at Meyers Injury Law can guide you on how to recover maximum compensation for your suffering.
What is Distracted Driving in Tennessee?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is any activity that could divert attention from the primary task of driving. Common driving distractions include eating and drinking, cell phone usage, or fiddling with the navigation system or stereo.
Tennessee law bans texting while driving; this includes composing or reading text messages. The state laws go beyond the use of cell phones while driving. Any activity that can impair the ability of the driver to focus on the road is prohibited. Novice drivers in Tennessee are subject to additional restrictions; they are not allowed to use any handheld devices while behind the wheel.
Dangers and Consequences of Driving Distractions
Distracted driving is divided into three categories – visual distractions, manual distractions, and cognitive distractions. While we might think of visual distraction as being the most dangerous, taking one’s hands off the wheel or one’s mind off the task of driving is equally dangerous. Even daydreaming while driving can cause accidents. The driver must remain alert and avoid engaging in any activity that has the potential to distract them.
If a driver is found guilty of causing an accident due to distracted driving, they face hefty fines, increases in insurance premiums, license points, and other legal penalties. The penalties get more severe for repeat offenders who have a history of such violations. The consequences of distracted driving go beyond legal penalties. Those accidents can have a life-changing impact on the injured victims, who may never recover from the physical or mental trauma of such an accident. They can also result in a financial burden for the victims in the form of medical bills, lost income, and rehabilitation costs.
Statute of Limitations For Filing a Distracted Driving Accident Claim In Brentwood
A distracted driving accident is typically considered a personal injury claim, and the statute of limitations for such cases in Tennessee is one year from the date of the accident. However, the statute of limitations could vary depending on the type of case. Some cases even qualify for extensions or exceptions providing victims with extra time to initiate legal action. You should consult a distracted driving lawyer in Brentwood to determine the applicable statute of limitations for your case.
How to Prove Liability in a Distracted Driving Case
Winning a distracted driving case requires compelling evidence. The most commonly used evidence in such cases include the police report, which includes details of the accident such as any citations issued to the distracted driver and statements from witnesses. Your attorney can also obtain the cell phone records of the driver to prove they were using their cell phone at the time of the accident. Other evidence that can be useful in such a case includes video surveillance footage, vehicle data, and medical records. Some of this evidence can be challenging to obtain but if you hire an experienced and resourceful attorney, they can help you gather evidence.
Steps To Take Immediately After a Distracted Driving Accident
- Get medical attention for your injuries and ensure others involved in the accident get the emergency assistance they need.
- Call 911 so an officer can come to the scene of the crash and file a report.
- Exchange contact information with the other parties involved in the accident.
- Gather readily available evidence at the crash site.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Consult an attorney.
Get Legal Guidance From A Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Brentwood
If you need legal guidance and representation for a Brentwood or Nashville distracted driving accident, you have come to the right place. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone’s carelessness, you have the right to pursue compensation.
At Meyers Injury Law, our experienced team of distracted driving accident lawyers focuses on personal injury cases. They offer legal representation to help you seek the compensation you deserve and hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions. To schedule a free consultation with a Brentwood car accident attorney, please contact us.
To learn more about the diverse practice areas covered by Meyers Injury Law, including cases related to personal injury, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, we invite you to reach out to our team. Delve into our page dedicated to personal injury law in Brentwood for additional insights on how we can assist you.
