Alabama Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Alabama Distracted Driving Statistics

Fatalities and Injuries Caused by Distracted Drivers

While there is no conclusive way to determine the exact number of accidents caused by distracted drivers, the 2019 Alabama Traffic Crash Facts report attributes distracted driving as the cause of 15 to 30 percent of all vehicle-related traffic accidents. This equates to about 125 fatalities, 4,000 injuries, and 15,000 collisions in our state alone each year. Some suspect the actual number of distracted driving car accidents may be as much as two times what is currently being reported. Put another way, distracted driving is just as bad as driving while intoxicated.

If you have sustained serious injury or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Through a free, no-obligation consultation, an experienced vehicle accident attorney Belt, Bruner & Barnett PC will be professionally review your case and advise you on the best way to proceed.

With expert legal representation, your chances of obtaining the maximum value of your distracted driving insurance claim will be significantly improved.

Common Types of Driver Distractions

The four primary types of driver distraction are visual, auditory, manual and cognitive. When a driver voluntarily takes his or her attention off the task of driving and puts it on something else that requires the driver’s visual, auditory or manual attention, that driver is distracted. The majority of driver distractions involve one or more of these four types.

The following are some of the most dangerous and potentially fatal car driving accident distractions:

Alabama Texting and Driving Laws

Alabama has strict laws in place to prevent drivers from texting and driving. The state recognizes the dangers of distracted driving and has implemented penalties for those who break the law. Under Alabama’s hands-free law, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is in a hands-free mode. This includes texting, browsing the internet, and making phone calls. Violators can face fines and even jail time for repeat offenses.

In addition to the hands-free law, Alabama also has specific laws against texting while driving. It is illegal for drivers of any age to text while operating a vehicle. This includes reading, sending, or composing text messages, emails, or instant messages. The penalties for breaking Alabama’s texting and driving laws can be severe. First-time offenders can face fines of up to $75, while repeat offenders can face fines of up to $150 and even jail time. In addition, texting and driving in Alabama can result in points being added to a driver’s license, which can lead to increased insurance rates and even license suspension.

Distracted driving accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries and financial losses. If you or someone you love has been affected by a distracted driving accident in Alabama, it’s important to have experienced legal representation on your side. Our Alabama distracted driving accident lawyers are dedicated to aggressively protecting your rights and advocating for your interests.

We understand the complex nature of distracted driving accidents and the importance of proving liability. Our team of vehicle accident attorneys will work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions. We are aware that insurance companies may not always have your best interests in mind and that’s why our goal is to see you fully compensated for your injuries and all other losses. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, contact us today to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need.

Who Texts and Drives the Most?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), crash potential is determined by the degree of risk the distraction poses, as well as the frequency in which the risky activity is being performed. In other words, the more often a driver engages in certain types of dangerous activities while driving, the more likely they are to get in an accident. This makes texting while driving extremely likely to cause an injury accident.

The NSC estimates at least 1.6 million accidents and close to 330,000 injuries occur each year due to texting while driving. The Institute for Highway Safety Fatality Facts claims that 11 teen deaths per day can be blamed on texting while driving. Almost 25 percent of all vehicle-related accidents are caused by texting while driving.

Contrary to what many people believe, adults are far more likely to use cell phones while behind the wheel than teenagers, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Approximately 82 percent of adult drivers between the ages of 25-39, and 72 percent of adult drivers between the ages of 40-59 reported using their cell phones while driving.

Only 58 percent of teens admitted to using a cell phone while driving. Many attribute the increase in cell phone use while driving to people wanting to constantly stay connected to friends, co-workers, and family via social media.

Social media can wait. Taking selfies, posting pictures to image-driven sites such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr, or engaging in any type of multi-tasking while driving is dangerous and not advised. Doing so puts yourself and others directly in harm’s way.

Using Technology to Limit Texting While Driving

Texting and driving is a major cause of accidents on the roads, resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities. However, technology is helping to put an end to this dangerous driver distraction. Many cell phone providers, including AT&T and Verizon, have created apps that allow drivers to silence incoming text message notifications and send automated alerts to those attempting to text a driver while they are behind the wheel.

Additionally, there are apps that allow drivers to compose texts using hands-free, voice command features, which can be a great alternative to manually typing a text message. CNET reports that Apple is also exploring ways to further prevent texting and driving by creating a “driver handheld computing device lock-out” that would prevent texting and other cell phone activities while driving.

These advancements in technology are helping to make the roads safer for everyone. Drivers are encouraged to take advantage of these tools and resources to help prevent distracted driving and stay focused on the road.

Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today

The attorneys at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. have a comprehensive understanding of the dangers created when people become distracted while driving. We realize that to stay safe, drivers must keep their attention on the task of driving or risk being involved in a serious car accident. Drivers put other motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians in danger when engaging in activities that require them to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or attention away from the task of driving.

Our Alabama personal injury attorneys have more than 65 years of trial experience in state and federal courts. We know how to deal with insurance companies. We are relentless litigators in the courtroom. At our firm, we put our clients first. Our commitment to helping our clients attain real results has led to millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Call (205) 933-1500 or use our online contact form so that we can start on your case as soon as possible. With offices in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, our Alabama distracted driving accident attorneys can help you at a location nearest you.