What to Do If You were Injured by a Distracted Driver

In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving is dangerous and causes 3,275 deaths. 

An Albuquerque distracted driving attorney says that distracted drivers have become a huge obstacle to road safety, especially now that almost everyone owns a mobile phone. Drivers who check their phones or text while driving run the risk of causing or being involved in serious accidents.

This article will highlight the steps you can take to recover and be compensated after being involved in a road accident caused by a distracted driver.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you were in an accident caused by distracted drivers, you must go to a hospital for treatment, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may have underlying symptoms that require a professional medical evaluation to be properly treated.

Car accident attorney Scott Renick says that vehicle accidents can leave victims with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and huge financial burdens. Holding the reckless driver accountable is critical in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and financial losses. 

Prioritize your health and safety. Don’t ignore any pain or discomfort. Delaying your medical evaluation could only worsen your condition. Medical professionals 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. 

Capture photographs from several angles to provide a full view of the scene. Take note of the date, time, and weather. These details can affect how liability is established. If possible, draw a diagram of the layout of the crash to illustrate how it all happened.

Keep in mind to mention any check marks or dirt on the road. If you can still manage, recall the behavior of the other driver during the incident prior to the crash. 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 on support the evidence you have gathered.

Look for any available witness 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 help you determine whether your insurance company covers the incident and whether the coverage is adequate to cover all of the costs associated with the accident. 

Inform them of the date, time, and location of the accident in which you were injured. Be honest when providing details 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

Consult a skilled personal injury attorney to deal with the legal challenges of an accident caused by distracted driving. These legal professionals specialize in this area of law and will accompany you throughout the legal process.

Personal injury attorneys can provide assistance in the collection of important evidence, such as police reports and eyewitness statements. They can negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair injury settlement that includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Taking immediate action right after the accident will initiate the processing of your claim. Stay proactive in protecting your rights. A lawyer can assist you in obtaining a favorable outcome in your case, allowing you to recover without worrying about the legal aspects of your case.