Distracted driving is a problem throughout the entire country. It occurs when drivers allow distractions to take their focus off the roads. Distractions can be physical, such as typing a text message; visual, such as watching someone on a sidewalk; or mental, such as allowing work commitments to cloud one’s ability to focus.
Los Angeles residents have likely seen accidents caused by distracted drivers, and some may have experienced firsthand the pain of living through such a difficult and preventable event. This post discusses the frequency with which distracted driving accidents happen in the United States and encourages victims to seek help to better understand their legal rights.
Annual statistics on distracted driving
In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 2,800 people died in distracted driving accidents. An additional 400,000 people suffered injuries in those events. Though distracted driving deaths have dropped slightly over time, many distracted driving accidents involve young drivers – teens and people in their 20s – and young victims.
It is important to remember that distracted drivers harm more than just other motorists. Distracted drivers hit bicyclists, runners, and other pedestrians. The CDC estimates that 1 out of every 5 distracted driver victims is outside of a vehicle.
Steps to take after a distracted driving accident
Suffering losses in a distracted driving accident can be isolating and overwhelming. Victims may be contacted by insurance companies or the responsible parties to settle their claims, but doing so may not be in their interests. Victims can seek legal counsel to learn about their options for seeking the recovery of their damages. This post does not offer legal advice. All victims can discuss the factual details of their unique distracted driving cases with motor vehicle accident attorneys in their communities.