Distracted Driving Accidents

Texting, talking on a cell phone, or using email and social media are major distractions behind the wheel in today’s world. For example, texting often requires a driver to take his or her eyes off the road for a span of five seconds or longer. This is enough time to cover the distance of a football field when driving 55 MPH or faster. Although common sense tells us that we should keep our eyes on the road accidents resulting from distracted driving still happen all too often. Bringing a personal injury claim with the assistance of a car accident lawyer may be critical in getting back on your feet after a devastating wreck. Jackson distracted driving accident attorney M. Devin Whitt has assisted people throughout the State of Mississippi, in counties including Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Warren, Forrest, Yazoo, Lauderdale, Simpson, Copiah, and Lincoln Counties with asserting their rights against someone who failed to pay the proper attention behind the wheel.

Mississippi has enacted a statewide distracted driving law. Drivers may still use their cell phones while behind the wheel, but they are prohibited from texting while driving or engaging in any social networking activities. Also, bus drivers are prohibited from using a mobile device for any purpose if a child is riding the bus.

Although texting and social media are two of the biggest distractions for drivers, distracted driving can also include eating, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio, or engaging in any activity that prevents the driver from operating his or her vehicle safely and effectively. To hold someone responsible for injuries that result from a car wreck, the victim must show that the driver who caused the wreck failed to exercise reasonable care. Any type of distracted behavior probably will be considered a breach of this obligation, even if it does not specifically violate the Mississippi distracted driving law and subject the driver to criminal penalties.

After the plaintiff proves that the defendant engaged in distracted driving, he or she will need to establish a causal link between this careless behavior and the injuries that he or she sustained. In other words, the accident must have been a reasonably predictable result of the defendant’s decision to text, eat, or otherwise lose focus on the road. Quantifiable damages also must have been incurred. These may range from lost income, medical bills and therapy costs, and property damage to pain and suffering. In some instances, medical and vocational experts may be useful in testifying about the impact of the injuries on the victim.

Car accidents can be a nightmare, resulting in serious injuries and long-term stress. The last thing that you and your family should need to handle during this time is navigating the legal system and negotiating with insurance companies. Experienced Jackson distracted driving accident lawyer M. Devin Whitt provides aggressive, personalized and diligent legal counsel to victims of car wrecks throughout Mississippi, including Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Warren, Simpson, Copiah, Forrest, Yazoo, Lauderdale, and Lincoln Counties and other counties throughout the state. He offers a free consultation at which you can explore your rights and options. Call us at 601-607-5055 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with a motor vehicle collision attorney.