What Are the Top Causes of Distracted Driving?

The top causes of distracted driving include cell phone usage, daydreaming, paying attention to things outside the car, adjusting the radio or other devices, and eating or drinking. 

An Atlanta distracted driving accident lawyer can provide more information about the reasons for this dangerous driving behavior. An attorney can also help you build a claim if a distracted driver strikes your vehicle. 

Cellphone Usage Causes Distracted Driving

Our Atlanta car accident lawyers know that any type of handheld cellphone usage in a car can represent a major distraction. Information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists texting as one of the primary contributors to distracted driving, but talking on a phone can also take a driver’s attention off the road. 

Some motorists even become distracted when looking at maps on a phone. Therefore, it’s essential to limit the usage of electronic devices as much as possible when behind the wheel, as they represent one of the top causes of distracted driving. 

Daydreaming Represents a Distraction 

Daydreaming, or zoning out behind the wheel, represents a cognitive distraction. Cognitive distractions take your thoughts away from what you’re doing or what other drivers are doing, increasing the odds of a crash. 

Rubbernecking Can Cause Distracted Driving

Many drivers naturally feel curious about what’s going on outside their vehicles. However, paying too much attention to signs on the side of the road, a collision, or other eye-catching sites can result in distracted driving. 

Adjusting Settings in the Car Can Distract Drivers

Many people do not realize that changing the radio station or adjusting the AC can cause distracted driving. These activities force drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their minds off the road, so they serve as distractions. 

Drivers may also experience distraction if they reach over to get something off the passenger seat or need to talk to other people in the vehicle. These actions involve diverting some measure of attention away from the road. 

Distracted Driving Can Involve Eating or Drinking

Drivers who eat or drink while behind the wheel experience distraction. This distraction can become more severe if a driver spills a hot drink while driving or drops food, requiring additional attention to clean up the mess.

Therefore, having food or drink in the car represents one of the top causes of distracted driving in Atlanta.

Results of Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving often results in head-on, rear-end, and side-impact accidents. These crashes can leave you with injuries and tremendous financial losses. Fortunately, you may qualify for compensation in this situation. 

An Atlanta car accident lawyer can assess your situation and determine if the distracted driver needs to cover the damages caused by the collision. Your lawyer may need to investigate to collect evidence after a crash. 

Depending on your circumstances, an Atlanta personal injury lawyer may need to:

• Visit the scene of the crash
• Talk to witnesses who saw the driver engaging in distracted driving
• Collect photos and videos of the collision
• Get a copy of the official police report

Note that a driver needs to prove more than distracted driving to bring you compensation after a crash. Your attorney needs to show that the other motorist directly caused your collision by taking dangerous action, like running a red light or ignoring a stop sign. 

Compensation Available for Distracted Driving Crashes

You may qualify for money to cover all of your losses after a distracted driver hits you. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for funds for your:

Current and Future Medical Expenses

A distracted motorist may need to pay for your:

• Emergency medical care and transport to a hospital
• Medical tests and all necessary procedures
• Medications and physical therapy 

Your attorney can track all of your healthcare costs, ensuring you get fair payment from the liable party. 

Lost Wages and Earning Potential

You may get money to cover the wages you lose while recovering after a crash. In some cases, individuals in your situation will get compensation for their lost earning potential. However, you may only qualify for these funds if your injuries result in a disability. 

Pain and Mental Suffering

The driver responsible for your collision may need to pay for the pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish you experience. Your attorney can track these non-economic losses and add them to your claim. 

Property Repairs

Finally, your attorney may help you get the money you need to cover the costs of repairing your vehicle or other damaged property. It’s vital that you keep records of all the expenses associated with your collision to provide to your lawyer. 

Talk to Us About Distracted Driving Accidents 

Using a cell phone, rubbernecking, daydreaming, eating, and changing the settings in a car all represent the top causes of distracted driving. Regardless of the reasons for your crash, you can get help building a claim for compensation from an Atlanta car accident lawyer. 

You can learn more about your options when you call or complete our online contact form.