According to the Pennsylvania Courts, there were over 1,400 convictions for distracted driving-related offenses in 2020 alone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that texting and driving is a leading cause of fatal car crashes in the United States. When involved in a car accident, individuals who engage in distracted driving can face significant liability. This can have a profound impact on personal injury claims in Pennsylvania, making it essential for victims to understand the complexities of these cases and seek representation from an experienced attorney. If you’re looking for representation, check out https://wilklawfirm.com.
Distracted driving has become an epidemic in today’s society, with the ever-increasing use of smartphones and other electronic devices. It is not uncommon to see exceptionally new drivers engaging in activities that divert their attention from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, or even using navigation systems. Unfortunately, these distractions can have a devastating impact on our roads, leading to an increase in car accidents and affecting insurance claims. This article delves into the impact that distracted driving has on car accident claims in Pennsylvania.
Understanding Distracted Driving
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. It can be broken down into three main types: manual distractions (which involve taking your hands off the wheel), visual distractions (which involve taking your eyes off the road), and cognitive distractions (which involve taking your mind off driving). Examples of distracted driving include texting while driving, eating or drinking behind the wheel, adjusting music controls, or even daydreaming.
The Impact on Car Accident Claims
Distracted driving greatly impacts car accident claims and the related legal process. When an accident occurs due to distracted driving, it can influence both liability issues and insurance settlements.
● Liability Issues
When it comes to determining liability in a car accident due to distracted driving, it is often challenging. Unlike drunk driving where there are strict laws against getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, distracted driving does not have clear-cut rules and regulations. However, it is still possible to establish liability by gathering evidence such as witness statements or cell phone records that prove distraction at the time of the accident.
● Insurance Settlements
Insurance companies play a significant role in car accident claims. They evaluate the circumstances surrounding an accident and determine whether they will provide coverage for damages sustained by their policyholders. However, if a driver is found liable due to distracted driving, it could affect their insurance settlement. In situations where distraction is proven, insurance companies are more likely to reduce the settlement amount or even deny coverage altogether. This means that the distracted driver may have to pay significant amounts out of pocket, and their insurance premiums could skyrocket in the future.
Exercising Caution and Education
It is crucial for both drivers and passengers to be aware of the consequences of distracted driving and actively promote safer practices on the road. Here are some steps that can be taken:
● Avoid Multitasking
Drivers need to prioritize their focus solely on driving without engaging in other distracting activities simultaneously. Eating, grooming, reading, or any other non-driving-related tasks can wait until they reach their destination.
● Utilize Technology Safely
While it’s best to avoid using electronic devices altogether while driving, if it is necessary, use hands-free devices or utilize voice recognition for phone calls or GPS navigation.
● Educate Young Drivers
Young drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving due to peer pressure and their familiarity with technology. Schools, parents, and driver education programs should incorporate comprehensive information on distracted driving dangers into their curriculum.
● Be More Mindful as Passengers
Passengers play a crucial role in promoting safe driving habits too. It’s important for them not to distract the driver by allowing them space and quiet when necessary or offering assistance with navigation or taking phone calls if needed.
Conclusion
Distracted driving remains a significant concern regarding car accident claims and overall road safety. Establishing liability can be challenging but not impossible, with solid evidence pointing towards distraction being a factor at the time of the accident. Moreover, insurance settlements are likely to be negatively affected for drivers found liable due to distractions while behind the wheel.
By raising awareness about this issue and following safe driving practices, we can significantly reduce car accidents caused by distracted driving and ensure our roads become safer for everyone involved.
