Are you guilty of reading messages while driving? Ever take your hands off the wheel to reach for something in the back seat?
When people think about car accidents, they often assume that severe crashes are caused by reckless driving or high speeds. But visual, manual, or cognitive distractions can be just as dangerous. Driving requires your full focus, and that means you should not be looking at your GPS, eating lunch, or daydreaming.
In my practice, I’ve represented clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries because someone checked a text message instead of focusing on the road. From traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage, the consequences of these split-second, seemingly harmless decisions can have a devastating impact on individuals and families.
What’s most troubling is these types of car accidents are almost always preventable. A momentary lapse in attention behind the wheel can lead to crippling injuries or even tragic loss of life. It’s a reality that’s far too common, and yet, many drivers still underestimate the true risks of distracted driving.
Legal and Financial Repercussions
Distracted driving can have serious consequences. For victims, the road to recovery is often a long one. Medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering can add up quickly. As attorneys, we fight to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve — but no legal remedy can truly undo the harm caused by a moment’s distraction.
What You Can Do
Preventing distracted driving starts with personal responsibility. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Put your phone away or use hands-free features if necessary.
- Set your GPS and playlist before you start driving.
- Pull over safely if you need to eat, text, or make a call.
- Educate young drivers about the dangers of distraction — they are especially at risk.
- Lead by example. Be the driver you’d want your loved ones to share the road with.
Final Thoughts
Every day, we have the power to make our roads safer. It begins with each of us making the conscious choice to stay focused behind the wheel. No text message, phone call, or snack is worth risking your life — or the lives of others.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, know that you have rights. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Stay safe, stay alert, and let’s work together to end distracted driving.
Get in touch with Cooper Levenson’s Personal Injury Practice today if you need assistance with an auto accident.
The content of this post should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult a lawyer concerning your particular situation and any specific legal question you may have.
Kathleen F. Beers, Esq. handles personal injury law and can be reached at kbeers@cooperlevenson.com or (609) 572-7570. Visit our blog at https://blog.cooperlevenson.com/ for more information.