The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that it takes about five seconds to read a text message, equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. A distracted motorist will not see a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk, a car suddenly braking ahead, or a merging vehicle—and a serious accident may result.
If a distracted driver has hurt you, contact Valiente Mott in Reno and speak with an experienced texting-while-driving accident attorney to protect your right to recover compensation for your losses and damages. Call today to schedule a free consultation, and we’ll be happy to assess your case and answer your questions.
Dangers of Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is dangerous because it involves three different types of distractions:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive: Focus is on the text, not the road
Drivers cannot react quickly to potential hazards, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Despite widespread awareness of the risks associated with texting while driving, car accidents caused by this negligent behavior remain alarmingly common. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 3,000 people lose their lives annually.
Common Injuries in Texting and Driving Accident Cases
Some of the most common injuries in a texting-while-driving accident includes the following:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head Trauma (TBI)
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Bruising
Most of these injuries, such as a TBI, often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, imposing significant financial and emotional burdens on accident victims. When a driver’s negligent behavior leads to an accident and causes serious or permanent injuries, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages.
What To Do After a Texting and Driving Accident
In the aftermath of a texting-while-driving collision, take these steps:
- Call for Help: Call 911 for emergency services and the police. Make sure to get a copy of their report.
- Get Medical Attention: If you do not feel injured after the accident, seek medical attention anyway. Adrenaline floods the body, masking pain, and documentation from a treating physician is crucial for your case.
- Preserve Evidence: Take photos or videos, note the contact information for witnesses, and the license plate and insurance information of the at-fault driver.
- Contact a Reno car accident attorney: By enlisting the help of an experienced Reno texting-while-driving attorney, accident victims can focus on their recovery. Our team will ensure your legal rights and interests will be vigorously protected.
At Valiente Mott, we understand that winning a personal injury claim hinges on proving negligence. We leverage our knowledge, resources, and experience to determine liability to build the strongest possible case for compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If your accident was due to the negligence of another party, you should not have to shoulder the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call the skilled and compassionate Reno texting-while-driving accident lawyer at Valiente Mott for a free consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.