It’s no surprise to anyone that there are more distracted drivers on the road today than there were even five years ago. With that increase has come an uptick in traffic collisions involving inattentive motorists. If you were hurt in such a wreck, contact Long Beach distracted driving accident lawyer Michael D. Waks.
Michael Waks has more than three decades of experience in personal injury law and a track record of success in motor-vehicle accident cases. For a free consultation, dial (888) 394-1174.
How Dangerous are Distracted Drivers to Others on the Road?
Even though some vehicles have the ability to support the hands-free use of phones for email, social media, and texting, that does not mean it’s safe for a driver to engage in these activities. Long Beach distracted driving injury attorney Michael D. Waks has seen firsthand just how common and disastrous these behaviors can be.
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report showing that distracted drivers have three times the risk of being involved in an auto accident as drivers who are not visually or physically distracted. The best way to avoid being in a car accident is to focus fully on the task of driving, and avoid the use of technology when in the car. If a driver must call or text, the safest thing to do is to pull over at a safe location to do so.
Not All Technologies to Reduce Distracted Driving Are Helping
Many automobile and cell phone manufacturers have designed safety measures to curb the potential hazards associated with distracted driving. Hands-free calling controls placed on the steering wheel and voice commands were intended to eliminate the distraction caused by holding and looking at mobile devices while driving.
Unfortunately, a study done by the University of Utah and AAA has proven these measures can cause more harm than good. The study shows that in-dash and voice-controlled systems in cars are overly complicated and actually cause more of a distraction. The level of cognitive distraction or mental workload that is required to operate these systems caused individuals to be just as distracted trying to use them as they would have been if they looked away from the road to reach for and use their phones.
What Should You Do if You are Involved in an Automobile Accident with a Distracted Driver?
If you or a family member was a victim of an automobile accident caused by a distracted driver, you should first contact the police to get a traffic crash report created. Then, seek medical attention right away. When your health is stable, contact a distracted driving accident attorney as soon as possible, preferably the same day as the accident. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and damages from the person who caused the wreck.
Call an Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Long Beach, CA for a Free Consultation
The Law Office of Michael D. Waks exclusively represents victims of personal injury and wrongful death, and does so with a deep understanding of their suffering and an absolute commitment to their medical and financial recovery. Michael will take your injuries personally and will directly handle your case rather than passing it off to an associate attorney.
Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at (888) 394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. You will never pay any money unless you recover damages for your injuries. Michael offers bilingual services as part of his comprehensive approach to legal representation, and he is available 24/7 to talk to you about your case.