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Las Vegas Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

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Distracted driving is a serious problem across our nation as well as in Nevada. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 5,474 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the United States that reportedly involved distracted driving in 2009. Another 448,000 people were injured in distracted driving-related crashes that same year.

Despite these statistics, Nevada has yet to pass a ban on cell phone use or text messaging while driving for all motorists, no matter their age. However, this does not mean that a distracted driver cannot be held responsible for the accidents and injuries their negligence causes. If you have been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by a distracted driver, it may be in your best interest to consult with a skilled Las Vegas car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

Forms of Distracted Driving

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, driver distraction is classified into three categories: visual distractions, which result in a driver taking their eyes off of the road; manual distractions, which result in a driver taking their hands off of the steering wheel; and cognitive distractions, which result in a driver taking their minds away from what they’re doing (operating a motor vehicle).

Under those classifications, there are many forms of distracted driving. It only takes a moment of inattentive while driving to cause a serious or even fatal Nevada car accident.

  • Eating and drinking: Drivers who are in a hurry may try to save time by eating while they drive. This it is an extremely dangerous form of distraction, as it causes a driver to take their hands away from the steering wheel, and could have catastrophic consequences for themselves and others on the road.
  • Cell phone use: According to the NHTSA, of the people killed in accidents that were distracted driving-related, 995 involved reports of cell phone use as a distraction. Additionally, of those people who were injured in distracted driving-related accidents, about 24,000 involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction. Drivers need to be aware that using a cell phone to call or text is dangerous. One out of seven U.S. drivers has admitted to texting while driving.
  • Changing the radio: Changing a CD, adjusting the radio, or fiddling with other controls in a vehicle while driving is a common distraction that can also lead to an accident.
  • Other vehicle occupants: Drivers talking to passengers and children in the car may become distracted by the conversation, causing them to take their eyes, hands, or mind off the road, all of which can result in a deadly Nevada car collision.

Steps to Take Following a Distracted Driving Car Accident in Nevada

After a distracted driving-related car accident in Nevada, there are a number of steps an injured victim can take to increase their chances of having a successful claim. First, it is in the best interest of an injured victim whose accident and injuries are caused by a distracted driver to call the police and notify them of the crash. When speaking to the police, victims should remember to never admit fault for the collision, as this could reduce their changes of obtaining compensation for their injuries and related losses.

Also, injured victims of a distracted driving-related accident should collect contact information from all drivers involved and witnesses to the Nevada car collision. Taking photos of the cars, injuries suffered, and location of the crash may also become important if the case ends up going to court. After seeking medical attention for their injuries, victims should also contact an experienced Nevada personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney with experience litigating car accidents may be able to acquire a driver’s phone records to prove that the driver was distracted at the time of the car accident. Additionally, an examination of the car and police report may help prove liability for the Nevada car crash.

At Shook & Stone, our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys have a long, successful history of holding distracted drivers accountable for their actions, and the accidents and injuries that result from their negligence. Call Leonard H. Stone at Shook & Stone toll-free today at 1-702-385-2220 to request a free initial consultation.