Distracted driving is a serious and growing problem, especially with the rise of smartphones and in-car technologies. In Pennsylvania alone, over 13,000 crashes in 2022 were attributed to distracted driving. As students return to school and more teen drivers hit the road, the risk increases, particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the dangers of distracted driving, how it spikes during the back-to-school season, and the steps you can take to recover compensation for your injuries. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Understanding Distracted Driving and Its Dangers
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Common distractions include texting, eating, adjusting the radio, and using navigation systems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021 alone.
Anapol Weiss attorney Joel Feldman has been at the forefront of national efforts to educate people about the dangers of distracted driving. Feldman founded End Distracted Driving (EndDD.org) following the death of his daughter, Casey, by a distracted driver in 2009. Through EndDD, Feldman coordinates the efforts of more than 700 lawyers, health care professionals, safety advocates and driver’s education professionals, including training them to make distracted driving awareness presentations in their communities.
Distracted Driving and Back-to-School Risks
In Philadelphia, with its dense traffic and bustling city streets, the risks are even greater. Back-to-school season brings additional challenges, as more inexperienced teen drivers hit the road, often engaging in risky behaviors like texting while driving. Teens are especially vulnerable to distractions, and studies show that they are more likely to be involved in accidents during the school year.
Teen drivers are already at a higher risk of car accidents due to inexperience, but the return of the school year amplifies this risk. As students head back to school, they often become distracted by their phones, friends, or music while driving. The start of the academic year typically coincides with a rise in car accidents, many of which are caused by distracted teen drivers.
Statistics show that 21% of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted at the time of the crash. In Philadelphia, where many schools are located near busy roads and highways, the chances of being injured by a distracted driver increase significantly during the school year.
What to Do if You’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver in Philadelphia, PA
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver in Philadelphia, it’s crucial to take immediate action. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing your options can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Here are the steps you should take following a distracted driving accident:
- Prioritize Your Health: Even if you feel no pain right after the accident, it’s crucial to visit a healthcare provider. Injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away but could lead to significant issues if ignored. These types of injuries, when left untreated, can worsen over time and result in more extensive treatment down the road. A thorough medical checkup ensures that any hidden injuries are identified and treated before they cause long-term harm.
- Document the Accident: Gather as much evidence as possible from the scene. Take photos of the damage, get contact information from witnesses, and make a note of any relevant details, such as whether the driver was on their phone at the time of the crash.
- File a Police Report: A police report can serve as crucial evidence in your distracted driving claim. Be sure to include any observations you made about the other driver’s behavior.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process of filing a claim. They will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Why Compensation is Necessary After a Philadelphia Distracted Driving Accident
Recovering compensation is critical after a car accident in Philadelphia, especially if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. The injuries sustained in distracted driving accidents can range from minor to severe, and the financial impact can be overwhelming. Here are some of the reasons why you may need compensation:
- Medical Bills: Serious car accident injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. These costs can quickly add up, and if the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This is especially important if you’re facing a long recovery period or if your injuries are permanent.
- Pain and Suffering: In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can have a significant emotional toll. You may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress as a result of the accident, and compensation can help alleviate the burden.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you could recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
Examples of Common Distracted Driving Accidents in Philadelphia
To give you a clearer picture, here are some real-world examples of distracted driving claims in Philadelphia:
- Texting While Driving: A driver looking down to send a text message rear-ends another vehicle at a stoplight, causing significant neck and back injuries to the victim.
- Teen Driver Distraction: A teenage driver distracted by their friends swerves into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision that results in severe injuries for the other driver.
- GPS Distraction: A driver adjusts their GPS while navigating the busy streets of Philadelphia, leading to a side-swipe collision with a pedestrian crossing the street.
In each of these cases, the victims could file a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer to recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer With Experience in Car Accident Claims Can Help You Recover Compensation
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, working with a personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. A lawyer experienced in distracted driving claims can help you:
- Investigate the Accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence, including phone records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to prove that the other driver was distracted.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident? Contact Anapol Weiss to Discuss Your Personal Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured in a by a distracted driver in Philadelphia, don’t wait to seek legal help. The experienced legal team at Anapol Weiss is here to assist you with your distracted driving claim.
Contact us today at 215-608-9645 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve after a distracted driving crash in Philadelphia.
