Charleston Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 9 people die in the United States every day due to an accident caused by a distracted driver. While distracted driving may not draw the same measure of public attention as drunk driving, in many respects it is a far more pervasive problem. After all, most of us have, at one time or another, been distracted while behind the wheel of our car.
At the end of the day, distracted driving is negligent and reckless. And when it leads to an accident, the victims have the right under South Carolina law to demand compensation for their injuries and related losses. Our Charleston distracted driver accident lawyer can help. Since 1990, the Stanley Law Group has represented accident victims seeking justice from drivers whose irresponsible conduct led to an accident that never should have occurred in the first place.
The Three Types of Distracted Driving
“Distracted driving” broadly describes any behavior that causes a driver to take their attention away from the task of safely operating their vehicle while traveling on public streets. Not all distracted driving is necessarily illegal or results in a traffic ticket. In the context of a personal injury claim, however, an accident victim need only prove a distracted driver was negligent, not criminal.
There are essentially three main types of distracted driving that leads to accidents:
- Visual Distractions: A visual distraction is anything that diverts the driver’s eyes away from the road. This includes looking at a phone, looking at passengers in the back of the car, or even spending too much time looking at a GPS or other screen inside of the vehicle.
- Manual Distractions: A manual distraction is anything that takes the driver’s hands off of the steering wheel. Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of manual distraction. But it can also include behaviors like eating, drinking, or smoking.
- Cognitive Distractions: A cognitive distraction is anything that takes the driver’s mind off the task of driving. This can include a driver who is too emotionally upset or agitated to drive. But it can also apply to a driver who is fatigued, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs.
Under South Carolina law, it is illegal for any driver to “use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle.” Even if such drivers do not cause an accident, they can still be stopped by police and fined. And any evidence that a person was “texting while driving” may be used as evidence against them in a personal injury lawsuit arising from a car accident.
Contact Our Charleston Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer Today
Distracted driving often leads to catastrophic accidents. If you, or someone that you care about, has been injured due to someone else’s thoughtless actions behind the wheel, it is imperative that you speak with a Charleston distracted driver accident lawyer without delay. Call the Stanley Law Group at 803-799-4700 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.
