Kirk Bernard Explains How Distracted Driving is a Form of Negligence
There is no question that a driver who allows himself or herself to get distracted while driving is exercising a form of negligence that may have serious consequences. Some of the best advice I could ever give is to tell motorists to devote their full and undivided attention to the road while driving. Doing this is not only the law, but it is one of the best ways to help prevent an auto accident (and a resulting injury claim or lawsuit) from happening in the first place.
Examples of such negligent activities include talking on a handheld cell phone while driving, texting, eating, using a laptop or applying makeup while driving. Anything that takes your eye or attention from the road is a distraction. If you are displaying similar negligent behavior while driving and cause an accident as a result, you can be held legally responsible for the accident and injuries.
According to recent research and studies performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving while using a cell phone can pose serious cognitive distraction and degrade driver performance. NHTSA estimates that driver distraction from all sources contributes to 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes. A number of states have passed laws that make both driving while using a handheld cell phone as well as texting while driving illegal. Yet, many drivers still do it.
If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, you could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of treatment and other related damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington auto accident, please contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful and educational information to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.
