Richmond Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
The prevalence of distracted driving accidents is a growing concern across the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3,000 people die in auto accidents due to distracted driving every year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates distracted driving crashes account for between 8% and 9% of all fatal motor vehicle collisions on U.S. roads. Closer to home, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported 18,808 crashes involving distracted drivers in 2020, causing 121 deaths.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to distracted driving car accidents in Virginia. If you have been hurt in a distracted driving crash in the City of Richmond and surrounding areas, including Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights, call Latham & Martin for a free consultation with a team of skilled and knowledgeable Richmond distracted driving accident lawyers.
Types of Driver Distractions That Lead to Accidents
There are several forms of driver distractions that can lead to severe accidents, injuries, and fatalities. These can be broadly categorized into visual, manual and cognitive distractions.
- Visual Distractions: Visual distractions divert the driver’s eyes from the road. Examples include looking at GPS devices, adjusting the radio, or glancing at billboards.
- Manual Distractions: These distractions involve taking hands off the steering wheel, such as reaching for objects inside the vehicle or eating while driving.
- Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions divert the driver’s attention away from driving tasks. Examples include daydreaming or engaging in deep conversations.
Texting and Driving
Texting while driving involves all three categories of distractions mentioned above, making it particularly hazardous. To help fight this prevalent distraction among drivers, Virginia has adopted a robust law to combat the dangers associated with distracted driving, particularly with regard to handheld cell phone use.
- Texting While Driving: Virginia law prohibits the reading, writing, or sending of text messages while driving.
- Handheld Cell Phone Use for Minors: Drivers under the age of 18 are not permitted to use handheld cell phones for any purpose.
- Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Commercial vehicle drivers are barred from using handheld devices while operating the vehicle.
Violators of these laws are subject to fines and penalties reflecting the gravity of the offenses.
Proving Distracted Driving Negligence
If you are involved in an accident caused by distracted driving, a skilled personal injury lawyer at Latham & Martin can assist in proving the negligence of the distracted driver. Our skilled legal team can:
- Collect valuable evidence such as phone records or witness statements about the driver’s behavior
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to prove the cause of the crash
- Present a compelling case to insurance companies for settlement or to a judge and jury in court
Driver Distraction and Virginia’s Pure Contributory Negligence Law
In Virginia, the injury victim’s own distraction could defeat their claim against another negligent driver. Under the state’s pure contributory negligence law, if a victim is found to be even 1% at fault, they cannot recover damages. Insurance companies rely on this law to avoid responsibility and often try to use it as a defense in car accident cases. As your attorney, Latham & Martin conducts thorough investigations and presents robust legal arguments to fight back against claims that your own negligence was in any to blame for the accident when it wasn’t.
Contact Latham & Martin Today
Distracted driving accidents are complex and often devastating. Understanding the various types of distractions, legal restrictions, and the ways in which a practiced personal injury law firm can help, provides a path to justice for those affected.
With our expertise in Virginia personal injury law, Latham & Martin offers strategic legal representation to those affected by distracted driving accidents. Our dedicated team of attorneys works tirelessly to ensure our clients receive fair compensation. From initial consultations to in-depth case evaluations, Latham & Martin provides comprehensive support, allowing victims to focus on recovery.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a distracted driving accident in Richmond, Virginia, don’t hesitate to contact Latham & Martin for a free consultation to explore your legal options. Our commitment to excellence in representing victims of distracted driving accidents makes us a wise choice for your legal needs.
