Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving happens every day, often with dangerous results. Many drivers think they can check a text, scroll through music apps, or answer a call without risk. The reality is much different. Even a glance away from the road for a second can be enough to cause a serious crash. If you’ve been injured in a serious car accident, reach out to our experienced auto accident lawyers in Duluth, GA for a free consultation.
Common Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving causes many accidents every year. Many drivers don’t realize just how easy it is to lose focus behind the wheel. Here are some common ways drivers get distracted on the road:
- Using smartphones to text, check social media, or talk on the phone
- Deciding on a song or changing radio stations
- Using hands-free devices, which many people assume is safer but can still cause significant distraction
- Having conversations with passengers
- Dealing with pets in the car
- Taking a bite of something to eat or taking a sip of a drink
- Caring for children
When any of these activities are done while a person is driving, it makes the road a more dangerous place for everyone.
How Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Prove a Driver Was Distraction
When you’re hurt in a crash, it isn’t enough just to say the other driver seemed distracted. You need proof. Lawyers step in to uncover what happened and show the other party was not paying attention. They do this by taking certain steps and gathering important evidence.
Digital Evidence
Phones can reveal a lot about what the driver was doing before and during the crash. Auto accident lawyers subpoena this information and look at recent texts, app usage, social media scrolling, and GPS data.
Video Evidence
Video footage is one of the strongest types of evidence as well. Dash cams (in either car), roadside traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, store security, and even city buses often catch the exact moment a crash happens. Car and truck accident lawyers act quickly to collect and review these videos before they get deleted or recorded over.
Vehicle Data – Black Box
Many vehicles have what is referred to as a “black box” that stores certain data. This often includes how fast the driver was going, when they used the brakes, how they turned the steering wheel, and if they ignored any warnings from the car, like lane assistance devices. In some cases, this type of evidence can point to the other driver being distracted.
Police reports
Police crash reports sometimes include driver statements from when the officer spoke to the parties involved in the accident. If the other driver admitted to using their phone received a citation for using it, this can help the victim’s case.
The Importance Preserving Evidence Before It Disappears
Acting fast is important. Lawyers often send what are called “spoliation letters” to demand evidence isn’t destroyed. These immediate notices go to the drivers their client blames, those drivers’ employers (if the at-fault was at work), insurance companies, and nearby property owners (like shops with potential camera records). This makes it less likely that images, text logs, and electronic records aren’t lost or intentionally erased.
Gathering evidence in distracted driving cases can be a race against both time and technology. If you have questions or need support after an accident, talking to a personal injury attorney is the first thing you should do to make sure you are able to prove that someone else is responsible for your accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a distracted driving lawyer.
