DISTRACTED DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYERS

The advancement of cellular technology may prove useful in many ways, but it also serves as a growing distraction, creating dangerous situations behind the wheel. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that glancing at your phone for just a few seconds while driving at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field while blindfolded.

According to the NC Department of Transportation, in 2021 17.9 percent (49,485) of all crashes in the state were due to distracted driving. Of these crashes, 20,722 people were injured and 165 individuals were killed.


North Carolina Laws on Distracted Driving

For the above reasons, North Carolina has implemented several related laws.

  • Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using their cell phones (except for emergencies)
  • Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers
  • School bus drivers are prohibited from using mobile devices for non-emergency purposes

However, it is important to note that while those under 18 are banned from using a mobile device short of an emergency, adults in North Carolina are legally permitted to speak on their mobile devices while behind the wheel.

Any time that a driver takes their eyes off of the road and/or their hands off of the wheel, it can cause a serious accident.


Causes of Distracted Driving

While cell phone use and texting are very common causes of distracted driving accidents, they are not the only ones. Other acts of distracted driving include:

  • Changing the radio station, CD, or MP3 player
  • Eating and drinking
  • Grooming (e.g. applying makeup, combing your hair, etc.)
  • Reading (e.g. maps, etc.)
  • Talking to passengers/turning your head
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver, it is important that you contact distracted driving accident lawyers who can help to protect your rights by reviewing the details of your case and working with you to determine the best course of action.

The impact of a distracted driving accident can prove to be devastating and long-lasting, and can also affect your family and friends. It often requires more than just medical attention to make the situation right; it takes sound legal advice from a qualified accident lawyer.

It can be tough to make many necessary decisions when you are also navigating the stress, pain, and financial burden that an accident can create. That’s why it is so important that before meeting with the other driver’s insurance adjuster, or signing any medical authorization forms, you call the experienced distracted driving accident lawyers at Daggett Shuler at 1-800-815-5500.

At Daggett Shuler, you can depend on us.

At Daggett Shuler, you can depend on us.