10 Distractions that Cause Car Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in Florida. Here are 10 distractions that can result in a car accident and how to avoid them. 

Summary

• Using a phone while driving, whether texting or talking, is extremely dangerous. Looking away for even a few seconds can have devastating consequences.
• Besides phones, other distractions include applying makeup, checking emails, adjusting music, talking to passengers, searching for dropped items, navigating, eating, daydreaming, and focusing on roadside attractions.
• An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and pursue compensation.
• Distracted drivers can face criminal charges, especially in cases involving severe injuries or fatalities.
• Drivers are ultimately responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles, even if distracted by passengers.

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It doesn’t matter whether a driver is a teenager or an adult. Distracted driving can happen at any age and have devastating results. A momentary lapse of focus can result in debilitating injuries and tragic, needless deaths.

What’s even more horrible about distractions that cause car accidents is that these accidents are completely preventable. The attorneys with the Jones Law Group have seen far too many instances where distracted driving has torn families apart.

Accidents caused by this senseless behavior either caused their loved ones to face a lifetime of disability or robbed them of their beloved family members forever. They’ve also placed undeserved financial burdens on those affected in the form of car accident damages.

If the negligence of a distracted driver has impacted you or someone you love, let us work to help you obtain the compensation you have coming. Schedule a free case evaluation by contacting us online or calling (727) 571-1333.

The following is a look at 10 of the most common distractions that cause car accidents.

1. Texting or Talking on the Phone

Just about everyone has a smartphone – and there are far too many of us who are, frankly, addicted to them. Not being able to look at their phone for even a little while can seem like a huge imposition. For some people, it’s impossible.

But when a driver looks at their phone while in motion, that’s crossing the line. It’s even worse when they take their hands off of the wheel to send a text or they become so engrossed in a conversation that they lose focus on the No. 1 priority – driving.

You might not realize this, but reading a text takes an average of five seconds. A car traveling 55 miles an hour goes 80 feet per second.

So, that means checking a text message can cause a driver to take their eyes off of the road for the amount of time it basically takes them to go the length of a football field, according to NHTSA calculations on distracted driving.

How can someone who does this hope to see a motorcyclist trying to change lanes in front of them? How can they react fast enough when a pedestrian unexpectedly crosses the road? They can’t – and that can lead to a tragedy.

2. Putting on Makeup

People want to look their best when they show up for work, an interview, or some other important occasion. That’s obviously understandable. However, the car isn’t the place to apply makeup.

If doing so is that important, they should pull over a mile or so before they get to their destination or just wait until they get to the parking lot. There’s simply no excuse for doing this while driving when distractions can easily cause car accidents– no excuse at all.

3. Checking Emails or Social Media

It’s incredible to realize just how many people do this. Researchers conducting a survey on texting and driving found that 21% of respondents actually admitted they checked or sent emails while driving in the previous 90 days.

The number of people who actually do this is undoubtedly much higher. No email – and especially no social media post – is worth risking the lives of other motorists. They can wait until the driver gets to a safe place.

4. Changing the Music

Most drivers want to hear music while they’re in motion. But when they have to divert their eyes to change stations, they won’t be able to react to any sudden change in the road.

If a driver is familiar enough with their vehicle, they should be able to do so without having to look. This can help them avoid motorcycle accidents, collisions with pedestrians or cyclists, and crashes with other vehicles.

5. Talking to Someone in the Back Seat

Think of the mechanics of trying to make eye contact when having a conversation with someone behind you. That requires turning around, right? Just think about how dangerous that can be when you’re trying to drive a car.

When someone does this, they can lose focus so badly that they could conceivably veer into oncoming traffic and cause a devastating head-on collision. No conversation – no matter what the subject may be – is important enough to turn around while driving.

6. Looking for Something

It can obviously be incredibly frustrating when something falls between the car seat and the console. It can even be maddening. But no matter what that item may be, finding it can wait until the trip is over. If it’s that critical to find it, find a place to pull over and park before performing your search.

7. Looking for Directions

Even actions that are necessary to driving, such as navigation, can be distractions that cause car accidents. When someone tries to set up their GPS – or even worse, try to read a road map – when they’re driving a car, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Set the GPS up before you leave, or have the volume turned high enough so you can hear when you need to make the next turn. Don’t have the radio so loud that it drowns out the directions.

8. Eating

If you’re on the go – like a lot of us are – you need to get your nourishment wherever and whenever you can. But that should never include eating or drinking while your car is going 50, 60, or 70 miles an hour.

You shouldn’t do it while your car is moving, period – even if you’re crawling in traffic. If you have to eat, find the nearest parking lot and then resume your trip. Doing so won’t just reduce the chances of getting into a wreck. It will also help keep you from getting mustard on your shirt.

9. Daydreaming

Whether you call it daydreaming, being lost in thought, or something else, it’s one of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents. Your eyes might be on the road, and both hands are on the steering wheel, but your mind is elsewhere.

A study on drivers who daydream shows many find it almost impossible to react should some sort of unexpected event occur, such as an animal crossing their path or another motorist stopping suddenly.

10. Events Outside the Vehicle

Far too many drivers will “rubberneck” as they pass the scene of an accident or look at a billboard on a highway. They’ll also look at the scenery, a roadside monument, or another type of attraction. Again, this takes their eyes off the road and increases the chance of a potentially catastrophic car accident involving injuries.

How to Hold Distracted or Negligent Drivers Accountable

Car accidents caused by distracted drivers can have devastating consequences. Victims may suffer from serious injuries, significant financial losses, and emotional trauma. Once you find a car accident attorney near you, they can take over the process of proving and negotiating your claim. They will:

Gather Evidence

An experienced Florida car accident lawyer will meticulously gather evidence to support your claim. This may include obtaining official police reports documenting the accident scene and any witness testimonies. 

They will also collect all medical records related to your injuries, including doctor’s notes, hospital bills, and rehabilitation expenses. Additionally, your lawyer will interview witnesses to the accident to gather firsthand accounts of the events leading up to the collision. 

Finally, they will collect any available photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries sustained.

Build a Strong Case

Based on the gathered evidence, your Florida auto accident lawyer will construct a compelling legal argument demonstrating the distracted driver’s negligence. This may involve investigating the driver’s cell phone records to determine if they were using their phone at the time of the accident. 

They may also consult with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the accident and determine if human errors caused the collision. Furthermore, your attorney at Jones Law Group will negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.

Represent You in Court

If a settlement with the insurance company cannot be reached, your car accident attorney will aggressively represent your interests in court. This entails preparing and filing the necessary legal documents, such as lawsuits and motions. 

They will also present evidence and arguments to the judge or jury to convince them of the distracted driver’s liability. Additionally, a seasoned lawyer will cross-examine witnesses to challenge the credibility of the opposing party’s claims.

Finally, they will advocate for your rights to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact Jones Law Group to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation if You’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident

Talk to a Jones Law Group distracted driving accident attorney for more information on how we may be able to help you obtain maximum compensation for your injury with a fair car accident settlement.

At jones Law Group, our team is here to guide you through the personal injury claims process and maximize your compensation. Our car accident lawyers serve Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park, Largo, and other areas around St. Petersburg.

You can use our online form, or you can call (727) 571-1333 for a free consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation can I get in a distracted driving accident claim?

The amount of compensation in a distracted driving accident claim varies significantly. Factors influencing the award include the severity of your injuries (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering), property damage, and the extent of your losses.

Can a distracted driver who causes an accident be criminally liable?

Yes, depending on the severity of the accident, a distracted driver can face criminal charges. These may include reckless driving, manslaughter, or even more serious offenses if fatalities or severe injuries occur. 

Although fatalities are less common in car accidents than injuries, distracted driving can still be deadly. Approximately 300 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in Florida in 2023.

Who pays my compensation in a distracted driving accident claim?

Compensation can come from several sources. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically the primary source. However, if their insurance coverage is insufficient, you may pursue compensation through their personal assets.

In some cases, your own insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Can a driver be liable if a passenger distracts them and causes a car accident?

Yes, a driver remains primarily responsible for maintaining control of their vehicle and ensuring safety on the road. While any driver is vulnerable to distractions by their passengers, often inexperienced teen drivers are distracted more easily, which causes more Florida car accidents. 

Even if a passenger distracts them, the driver can be held liable for the resulting accident. This principle emphasizes the driver’s duty to focus on the road and avoid situations that could compromise safety.