There is no denying that smartphones have had a significant impact on American society and the way we do things. Smartphones are not just used to talk, the way phones used to be utilized, but are used for a wide variety of tasks. We use smartphones to send messages via text, check email, search the internet, go on social media, get our news, check the weather, play games, take photos and videos, and so much more. Unfortunately, many people are unable to put their smartphones away when they are supposed to be doing important tasks, like driving. As a texting while driving accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, knows, this has resulted in thousands of car accidents here in Arizona and hundreds of thousands across the country.
According to national statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 3,000 victims die each year in car accidents caused by distracted driving. Thousands more suffer serious injuries. And although texting and driving has long been an issue, smartphones have greatly intensified the problem because there are so many other activities people use them for, even when they are driving and supposed to be focused on the road. In some surveys, there are even drivers who have admitted that they watch movies and shows on streaming services while they drive.
A Phoenix, AZ, texting while driving accident lawyer is aware that there are also other distractions that can cause a driver to take their focus off the road, such as a child in the back seat crying or even just having a passenger in the vehicle talking to them. Anything that takes a driver’s mind, eyes, or hands off the road, even for seconds, can result in a fatal car crash with deaths and catastrophic injuries.
If a victim is injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, that victim is entitled to damages that they suffer because of those injuries. The distracted driver’s negligence for not staying focused on the road means he or she could be liable for the victim’s medical bills, loss of income if they can’t work while they recover, pain and suffering, scarring, and more. If the victim has suffered a permanent disability, the driver may be liable for future medical care, loss of future income, emotional anguish, and loss of life enjoyment.
If a victim was killed in a crash, their family is entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the lawsuit for the loss of their loved one. Damages can include funeral and burial expenses, medical care the victim received trying to save their life, loss of the victim’s income, loss of the victim’s love and guidance, and emotional anguish.
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a driver who refused to put their smartphone down while they were operating their vehicle, contact Saavedra Law Firm, PLC, to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Phoenix, AZ, texting while driving accident lawyer.