Distracted Driving Accidents
Trust Our Kansas City Car Accident Attorneys to Help
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving killed 3,477 people and injured another 391,000 in the United States in 2015 alone. Distracted driving includes anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the activity of operating the vehicle.
Some examples of activities that could distract drivers include the following:
- Using a cell phone
- Eating
- Changing the radio station
- Talking with passengers
If you or your loved one are the victim of a distracted driver, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Kansas City car accident attorneys as soon as possible. Our skilled lawyers at Meyerkord, Russell & Hergott are dedicated to providing legal advocacy to those who need it.
Contact us online or call (816) 867-8611 to schedule a free case consultation with us today.
Types of Distracted Driving
Many things can distract a person when driving, but some might affect the outcome of your case. There are three main types of distraction, including the following:
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off the task of driving
Some tasks involve all three types of distraction, such as texting while driving. However, if something catches a driver’s attention on the road, such as an altercation or another crash on the highway, he or she may glance away from the task of driving, preventing him or her from seeing the car ahead slow down. A driver’s liability may be reduced if there was an emergency or outside distraction that prevented him or her from paying attention to the road. Each case is different, and you should discuss your situation with a qualified attorney to determine the strength of your position as a plaintiff.
Accidents Caused by Texting While Driving
Texting while driving has become a serious issue for Americans. In a recent study released by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, it was found that truck drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in auto accidents if using their cell phones for texting. It was also found that the risk was considerably higher for those dialing or texting than it was for those simply speaking on their cell phones. Even if the texting driver looks at his or her phone for under 5 seconds, the distance of a football field is crossed if driving at 55 miles per hour - an extreme danger to other drivers and their passengers.
Missouri Driving & Cell Phone Laws
Tragically, teenagers are particularly at risk when it comes to texting and driving accidents. Many young people cannot seem to stop texting, even when driving. The Missouri Legislature banned texting and driving for those under the age of 21 in 2009. There are a number of proposed bills that would make the texting and driving ban apply to all ages.
Missouri is one out of only six states that allow drivers over the age of 21 to text and drive. Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous activities that any vehicle operator or any age can engage in. Recent studies have shown that driving and texting causes a risk equal to driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Take the pledge to stop distracted driving #justdriveKC!
Call Our Skilled Attorneys Today
If you want to find out how strong your case is against a distracted driver, talk to one of our attorneys today. Our firm has more than 30 years of combined legal experience to offer your case. We will be glad to help you navigate the legal process of filing a personal injury claim so you can recover compensation for your injury and move on with your life. Let us see how we can help you.
Schedule a free initial consultation with us by calling (816) 867-8611 or contacting us online!