As a driver, you’re supposed to do everything possible to drive safely like following speed limits, yielding when the other car has right of way, and not getting distracted while you’re behind the wheel. Unfortunately, not everyone avoids distractions while they’re driving and cause serious car accidents. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, the Little Rock distracted driving lawyers from McMath Woods P.A. can help you with your claim.
McMath Woods P.A. proudly represents the citizens of Arkansas. We believe in standing up for your rights and demanding that you get a fair settlement. Our skilled lawyers can help you get compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and property damage.
What Are the Main Driving Distractions in Little Rock?
There are many distractions that keep drivers from safely navigating their vehicles. Anything that takes your eyes off the road, makes you take a hand or hands off the wheel, or takes your mind off driving is considered a distraction.
Common distractions are:
- Cell Phones. Texting, social media, making phone calls, taking photos, or checking email are major distractions that cell phones create for drivers. Nearly everyone drives with their cell phone and many can’t resist the urge to use their phones while driving. But this takes away control of steering, averts eyes from the road, and changes focus. People can run off the road or collide with other cars when they’re trying to use their cell phones.
- GPS. When people don’t know where they’re going, they may depend on their phone as a navigation device. Even if it’s on a mount, it can visually distract drivers.
- Radio. Fiddling with the radio is another distraction for drivers.
- Food/Drink. On long road trips it may be tempted to eat and drink while driving. However, this will take away one hand from the wheel and reduce concentration on driving. It’s best to stop and take a break.
- Applying Makeup. People rushing out the door may try to multitask while driving, like applying makeup.
Distractions can also occur when the driver is stressed or late because the driver is thinking about getting to their destination and not paying attention to the road. Having a full car of people talking or trying to engage the driver could create an environment where it’s difficult for the driver to concentrate.
However, drivers can control these situations. They can choose not to look at their cell phone or plan ahead so they have time to get to where they need to go. When distracted drivers cause as accident, it could have been prevented if they had been responsible. Injuries caused by negligence are frustrating and can be emotionally overwhelming, but McMath Woods P.A. is ready to help you.
What Are the Distracted Driving Laws in Arkansas?
Arkansas’ distracted driving laws pay close attention to cell phone use and young or new drivers. There are two kinds of enforcement for these laws: primary and secondary. Primary enforcement means police saw a driver violating these rules and pulled them over for that reason. Secondary is when a police officer catches a driver violating another rule, like speeding, and then noticing on of these rules was being violated as well.
In Arkansas,
- No drivers can text.
- Drivers under 18 years can’t use a cell phone.
- Drivers between 18-20 need hands-free accessories for their phone.
The penalties for violating these laws are fines, but when people drive while distracted, they’re risking their own lives and the lives of others.
Distracted Driving Causes Injuries
Distracted drivers can seriously injure other people on the road in collisions. These injuries have the potential to be catastrophic, meaning that the injuries could have permanent consequences.
- Traumatic Brain Injury. A major injury to the brain could cause damage that can’t fully heal and will create issues with cognition in the future.
- Spinal Cord/Neck Injuries. Damage that’s done to the neck or spine could cause paralysis or reduced motor and sensory input below the injured area.
- Loss of Limb. A serious car accident injury may cause loss of limb. This could mean the person can no longer continue to do their job.
- Broken Bones. A broken bone is a painful injury that takes months to heal. A person may be prevented from doing their job because of a distracted driver.
Driving while distracted can also result in fatalities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about nine people lose their lives every day in crashes that were caused by a distracted driver. If you’ve lost a loved one to a distracted driver, McMath Woods P.A. can help you with a wrongful death claim.
Get Help from an Arkansas Distracted Driving Attorney
When a distracted driver causes a car accident, you deserve legal representation who will fight for your rights. McMath Woods P.A. will do everything to get you compensation for your injuries. We’re here to make sure the negligent party is held accountable for what they’ve done.
The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer, the sooner you can have peace of mind that responsible legal professionals are looking out for your best interests. Call us today for a free consultation and we can discuss the merits of your case.
