The three forms of driving distractions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three categories of distraction that many drivers succumb to when they are behind the wheels of their vehicles. Throughout the Central Valley, residents may have seen other drivers using their cell phones, looking away from the roads, and even performing other tasks while operating their motor vehicles. These dangerous and unnecessary actions put innocent motorists in harm’s way and result in damaging and life-threatening motor vehicle accidents.
Victims of distracted driving motor vehicle accidents have rights. They can pursue their damages and they can protect their futures by seeking the compensation that they deserve. Their personal injury lawyers can help them prepare their cases and understand their options to best protect their interests. Readers of this post are reminded that no legal advice is conveyed herein and guidance on all legal topics should be sought from trusted personal injury lawyers.
Visual driving distractions
A driving distraction is classified as visual if it causes a driver to take their eyes off the road while operating their motor vehicle. Examples of visual driving distractions include looking at passengers or maps, looking at cell phones or other technology, or watching traffic in another lane instead of what is in front of the driver.
Manual driving distractions
Manual driving distractions force drivers to take their hands off the wheels of their vehicles. These dangerous distractions may involve drivers using their hands to eat or drink, manipulate their cell phones or other technology, or even reach into the far corners of their vehicles. Manual driving distractions happen when drivers use their hands to manipulate other things besides their automobiles while driving.
Cognitive driving distractions
Cognitive driving distractions can be difficult to see because they happen within the confines of a driver’s head. A cognitive driving distraction is a thought, memory, worry, or other mental process that pulls a driver’s attention away from the road. Drivers should focus their attention and concentration on driving when they are in their automobiles.
Driving distractions can come in many forms and can take on different appearances. In some cases, there may be very little that a victim can do to avoid a collision with a distracted driver. When distracted driving accidents happen, however, victims can take important steps to protect their rights before choosing to litigate their possible personal injury claims.
After an accident, a victim can identify witnesses to their accident as well as take pictures of their accident scene, if they are able. They can seek medical treatment for their injuries so that their losses are documented and clearly identified. When they are ready to move forward, they can take their questions and concerns to their trusted personal injury lawyers for counsel and representation. Different personal injury cases can resolve in different ways and is important that motor vehicle accident victims seek individualized guidance from legal professionals that they trust.
