Belleville Crashes Caused by Distracted Drivers
In Belleville and throughout the country, distracted driving has become a common cause of accidents. At any given daylight moment across America, about 416,000 motorists are using handheld cell phones, which poses a serious threat to everyone on the road. When a driver takes their eyes off the road to check a text or scroll through social media, the risk of a crash increases sharply. These collisions can leave anyone involved dealing with injuries, property damage, and legal complications that can be hard to navigate alone. If you were injured by a distracted driver, a Belleville distracted driving accident lawyer can help.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving happens when a person’s attention drifts away from operating their vehicle. It can come in different forms, each posing serious risks to road safety. Our experienced auto accident attorneys in Belleville are prepared to investigate and help with your case. Below are some examples of the most common types of distractions:
Visual Distractions
Focusing your eyes on something other than the road – like your phone, a billboard, or even a passenger – can lead to accidents because you may miss sudden changes ahead.
Manual Distractions
Taking your hands off the wheel for any reason, such as adjusting the radio or picking up an item that fell, can make it harder to react in time if traffic suddenly stops or a pedestrian steps into your path.
Cognitive Distractions
Daydreaming or being lost in thought can impair your focus and delay your reaction time. Even hands-free phone calls can affect your ability to pay full attention to your surroundings.
Why Distracted Driving is So Dangerous
Distracted driving often leads to accidents because drivers who aren’t focused on the road can’t react quickly when something unexpected happens. When someone looks away from traffic to check a text, change a song, or respond to a passenger, even a few seconds of inattention can have serious consequences.
Texting while driving is especially risky. Reading or sending a text can take your eyes off the road for about five seconds, which, at 55 mph, is like traveling the entire length of a football field without seeing anything. High-speed scenarios make the danger even greater, as there’s less time to correct mistakes.
With so many ways to get distracted, it’s clear why these behaviors often result in collisions that may cause harmful injuries or worse.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
When a crash happens because another driver was distracted, it can feel overwhelming to handle all the legal and financial challenges on your own. A Belleville personal injury lawyer provides practical guidance and support at each stage of your case. Here are some ways an attorney could assist you:
Investigating the Accident
A lawyer can look into every detail of your collision. This may include reviewing police reports or interviewing witnesses to ensure they have a complete picture of what happened.
Gathering Evidence
Attorneys often collect medical records, photos, and expert witness reports to help show how the crash occurred. This evidence can strengthen your position during discussions with insurance companies.
Filing Claims and Negotiating Settlements
Once all information is gathered, a lawyer can prepare your claim and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If an agreement can’t be reached, they can represent you in court.
Having a lawyer on your side can offer a sense of relief and help you focus on healing while they handle the legal details. If you have questions or need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Belleville distracted driving accident attorney.