What to Do If You Were Injured by a Distracted Driver

Distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), constitutes a danger to life and results in 3,275 deaths every year. Distracted drivers kill 3,132 car accident victims every year.

Distracted driving is a more serious concern than most people imagine, causing grievous injuries. According to an Albuquerque distracted driving attorney, most individuals have a phone now, making distracted driving one of the biggest issues that threaten road safety. 

A serious accident may result from a distraction from mobile phone use or texting by the driver.

After an accident caused by a distracted driver, let us discuss what an individual should do.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

In cases where distracted drivers cause an accident, related injuries must be treated in the hospital. A car accident may hide injuries that cause symptoms needing a professional medical assessment for treatment.

According to car accident attorney Scott Renick, vehicle crashes may cause victims catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and major financial burdens. A reckless driver must be held accountable if one intends to get fair compensation for injuries and financial losses.

Your health and safety come first. Do not ignore any pain or discomfort you may feel. Delays in medical evaluation could only worsen your condition. The doctors will assess, treat, and document the injury.

Document the Accident Scene

Aside from accepting treatment for your injury, document every accident scene that will provide you with a solid case of distracted driving. Take several photos of the extent of the damage to the vehicles, the road conditions, and the surrounding traffic signs. 

Photograph the scene from as many angles as possible to get a complete picture. Note the date, time, and weather conditions. These can all affect liability. If possible, draw a diagram of the crash scene and how it happened. 

Measure the tire marks or debris on the road. If you can, try to remember how the other driver acted before the collision. You can submit these documents as evidence in court.

Gather Evidence and Witness Information

After the incident, gather evidence and witnesses’ information for your case. Take pictures of the vehicles, the visible damage, and the nearby ambience. These factors will later support the evidence you have gathered.

Look for any available witnesses you can approach. If they consent, collect their contact details and their statements. Record a statement on the phone from them. You can also write their testimonies and review them for accuracy.

Documents like a police report will be beneficial in backing up your case.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as you can after the accident to initiate your claim. Your accident report will assist you in deciding whether the accident is covered by your insurance company and whether the disbursement with which it charges will suffice to cover all your expenses relating to it.

Inform them of the date and location of the accident where you were injured. Always refrain from lying about the accident. Inaccurate information can affect the outcome of your claims.

Keep a record of your conversation with the insurance company, including the name of the person you spoke with and the directives given to you. Be ready to present any police report or medical records when it is requested by the insurance company. Notifying your insurer as soon as possible will help you expedite the claim and avoid any future compensability issues. 

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

The handling of multifaceted litigation involving distracted motorists requires a proficient personal injury attorney. These are the lawyers who specialize in this domain of law and will be there for you during the legal proceeding.

Such lawyers can secure evidence for you, including police reports and witness statements. The lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance companies so you can receive a check for a fair settlement for your injuries. You can use the compensation to cover medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.

Acting immediately following the accident triggers your claim’s processing. Be proactive in protecting your rights. 

Reaching out for legal assistance will lead to a successful outcome on your case so you can recover without worrying about its legal aspect.