One of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions is distracted driving. When drivers do not devote their full attention to safely operating their vehicles and following traffic laws, they put themselves and everyone else on the road in danger. Distracted driving led to 416,000 injuries in the United States in 2010 and killed another 3,092 people. These car accidents are entirely preventable, and distracted drivers can be held liable for any injuries or damages their actions cause.
Common Types Of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of driver distractions that lead to collisions and injuries in Orange County.
Visual distraction: The driver's eyes are not focused on the road.
Visual distraction can occur for a few moments or a longer period of time because the driver is:
- Looking at a cell phone
- Composing or reading a text message
- Looking at passengers
- Reading a map or looking at a GPS
- Applying makeup, shaving, or grooming in some way
- Looking at something on another part of the road ("rubbernecking")
Manual distraction: The driver takes one or both hands off of the steering wheel for a short time or a lengthy period.
Manual distraction often occurs because the driver is:
- Composing a text message
- Answering a phone call
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the stereo
- Using a handheld electronic device
- Reaching for something in another part of the vehicle
- Applying makeup, shaving, or grooming in some way
- Entering information in a GPS device
Cognitive distraction: The driver's mind is not focused on safely operating their vehicle.
Cognitive distraction can occur even while the driver's hands are on the steering wheel and their eyes are on the road because they are:
- Exhausted
- Emotional
- Extremely stressed
- Composing a text message
- Talking on the phone
- Conversing with passengers
Help For Victims Of Distracted Drivers In Orange County
If you were harmed by a distracted driver, an Orange County distracted driving lawyer at our firm can help you seek fair compensation. Our experienced team at The Law Offices of Joseph M. Tosti understands the impact the accident has had on your well-being, finances, and possibly your future, and we can assist you in fighting for the fair and full settlement you deserve. Contact an Orange County car accident attorney from our firm to learn about your legal options to hold the distracted driver accountable for their harmful actions.