The dangers of distracted driving have been thoroughly documented. Most drivers acknowledge that distracted driving causes traffic deaths and injuries. However, distracted driving in Pennsylvania continues to be one of the most common causes of car crashes.
The award-winning legal team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates understands the devastation a distracted driving accident can cause. We have more than 120 years of collective experience successfully litigating claims involving catastrophic injuries and tragic deaths.
Our lawyers are top-rated trial attorneys who have recovered millions of dollars for clients in settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases.
If you or your family member sustained injuries in a car accident, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation at (717) 616-2954.
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How Our Lancaster Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Victims of Distracted Driving Crashes
Proving that a driver was distracted at the time of a car crash can be difficult. For example, if the person was texting while driving, you might be able to prove a lack of driving awareness with cell phone records. However, you must still prove that the driver caused the collision to recover compensation for damages.
Our Lancaster injury lawyers understand the legal requirements for proving negligence for crashes involving distracted driving.
When you hire Marzzacco Niven & Associates to handle your injury claim, you can expect us to:
- Investigate your car crash to determine fault
- Gather evidence proving causation, fault, and liability
- File insurance claims and handle all communications with the insurance provider
- Work with expert witnesses when necessary to build your case
- Document your damages to maximize the value of your settlement or jury verdict
- Provide legal advice and support throughout your case
- Advocate for you in court if necessary
Our legal team handles all types of motor vehicle accidents in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Our goal is to recover the best possible settlement for your injury claim. But we’re always prepared to fight for you at trial. We want to help you recover the monetary resources you need as you continue to recover from an accident.
If you have questions about a personal injury claim, contact our Lancaster, PA law office to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.
How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in Pennsylvania?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, distracted driving was the second most common contributing factor in car crashes in 2020. There were 11,019 traffic accidents involving a distracted driver that year. That’s more than 30 every day.
Thousands of people die in distracted driving crashes each year in the United States. As long as drivers continue to believe they can multi-task while driving, they will continue to cause needless car crashes, injuries, and deaths.
What Causes Distracted Driving Crashes in Lancaster, PA?
Any activity that takes your attention away from the road is a distraction. Activities that involve all three types of distractions (visual, manual, and cognitive) tend to be the most dangerous.
Texting while driving is an example of an activity that involves all three distractions. For that reason, Pennsylvania is one of the many states that have banned texting while driving.
A driver is prohibited from using a cell phone while driving to send or receive text messages. The law also includes using any similar device to receive texts or send messages while driving. A texting driver can be pulled over and fined for the offense.
Other examples of distracted driving include:
- Reaching or searching for objects in the vehicle
- Adjusting vehicle controls
- Taking care of pets or children
- Grooming or putting on makeup
- Eating and drinking
- Removing or putting on shoes and clothing
- Using a cell phone or other electronic device
Distracted driving accidents are preventable. It is a choice to pick up a phone or multi-task while driving. Sadly, a driver’s poor decisions can cause injuries for innocent accident victims.
What Injuries and Damages Are Caused by Distracted Driving Collisions?
Distracted driving accidents can cause severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Internal organ failure or damage
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Neck and back injuries
A victim may incur substantial economic damages because of the accident, including lost wages and medical bills. In addition, if the injuries cause permanent disabilities, the person may also have ongoing medical expenses and future loss of income. Victims may be able to seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Accident victims also experience pain and suffering because of the crash and their injuries. They may also seek compensation for their non-economic damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?
Most car accident lawsuits must be filed within two years from the accident date pursuant to Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations. However, there are exceptions, so do not wait to talk with a Lancaster personal injury attorney about your case. The longer you wait to pursue a claim, the harder it might be to prove the other driver is responsible for causing the car accident.
Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
You deserve to receive fair compensation when another driver causes a car accident. Our lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
If you were involved in a distracted driving accident in Lancaster, PA, please reach out to our law office online or by phone to schedule your free case evaluation.