Distracted driving accidents can have life-changing ramifications. If you were the victim of one, a Naperville car accident lawyer can help you seek damages.
Distracted drivers should be held accountable for their negligence. A distracted driving accident lawyer in Naperville from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can take on your case and help you pursue compensation for your accident.
How a Naperville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a crash with a distracted driver, a Naperville distracted driving accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: They can gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Calculate damages: They can assess your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: They can help ensure your claim is handled fairly and work to maximize your compensation.
- Represent you in court: They can advocate for you in court if your case requires litigation.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Distracted Driving Accident?
The amount you may receive for a distracted driving accident depends on several factors, such as:
- Severity of injuries: More serious injuries, such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries, often result in higher settlements.
- Medical expenses: Compensation typically covers past and future medical treatment, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: If the accident prevents you from working, settlements often include reimbursement for lost income.
- Property damage: Settlements usually cover vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You may receive compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
A Naperville personal injury lawyer can help pursue the maximum possible settlement for your claim.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their attention away from the road to focus on something else. Common distractions include:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the radio, GPS, or navigation system
- Talking to passengers
- Using in-car technologies
All of these behaviors impair a driver’s ability to react to potential hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents in Naperville
Several behaviors are often linked to distracted driving accidents in Naperville, such as:
- Texting while driving: Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can cause serious crashes.
- Talking on the phone: Even hands-free conversations can reduce focus on driving.
- In-vehicle technology: GPS, touchscreen displays, and other features can divert attention from traffic.
- Eating and drinking: Multitasking with food or beverages can distract drivers.
- Talking to passengers: Long conversations may draw focus away from driving safely.
Types of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving can lead to a range of accidents in Naperville, such as:
- Rear–end collisions: These often occur when a distracted driver fails to stop in time.
- T–bone accidents: These happen when a driver fails to yield at intersections, striking another vehicle’s side.
- Pedestrian accidents: These occur when drivers fail to notice or yield to pedestrians.
- Multi–vehicle collisions: These can happen when one crash triggers a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
Types of Evidence That Prove Liability
If you were involved in a distracted driving accident, you should gather:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Phone records or surveillance footage (if distraction is suspected)
These pieces of evidence can help establish liability. A distracted driving accident attorney in Naperville can help collect evidence that strengthens your claim.
Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
Injuries from distracted driving accidents can vary depending on the severity of the crash. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash: This injury occurs when the head is suddenly jolted forward and backward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the arms, legs, or ribs often result from these collisions.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These happen when a driver or passenger’s head strikes a dashboard, window, or other object, potentially causing long-term neurological effects.
- Spinal cord injuries: Severe impacts can damage the spinal cord, which may lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Cuts and bruises: These occur when broken glass or airbag deployment causes injury to the body.
How Do I Win a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit?
You can maximize your odds of winning your car accident case by:
- Documenting the accident: Take detailed photos of the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If possible, collect witnesses’ contact information as well.
- Seeking immediate medical attention: Medical records will help link your injuries to the accident.
- Keeping records of financial losses: Track all medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and other expenses related to the accident.
- Consulting a qualified lawyer: A distracted driving accident lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for maximum compensation.
Talk to a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Naperville
Texting, phone use, in-car technologies, and other distractions can have serious consequences. If you were in a crash with a distracted driver, a Naperville distracted driving accident attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can negotiate with the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with a lawyer.
