Free Consultation
(512) 910-2000Written by TK Injury Lawyers, reviewed by Trent Kelly on October 7, 2019
When you think about distracted drivers in the 2010s, you likely automatically imagine someone texting and driving. We hear news stories on a regular basis about drivers taking selfies, posting on social media, or sending texts right before crashing their vehicles. However, distracted driving accidents happened long before smartphones existed, and this is because there are many additional distractions while driving that are not related to electronics.
Drivers can get distracted by many things. Even a simple daydream can cause a driver’s focus to stray from the road, and mental distraction leads to many accidents. A driver may also briefly take their hands off the wheel to reach for something on the passenger side and, in that second, they can crash. Perhaps the most dangerous type of distraction involves anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road.
While you might never imagine shaving or reading a book when behind the wheel, you would be shocked at the ways that some drivers try to multitask. Many of the most dangerous distractions do not involve a smartphone at all.
When a car accident happens, you generally have an idea of which vehicle caused the crash. Drivers who are distracted can make many mistakes on the road, such as:
If there are no text records or other evidence that a driver was using a smartphone, it can be challenging to prove they were distracted. After all, you cannot obtain evidence that a driver was daydreaming unless they admit it themselves, which is highly unlikely. Instead, you will generally have to prove the mistake they made on the road that was the result of their distracted driving.
Perhaps a witness saw the car stray from its lane or fail to hit the brakes before it hit you. This is enough to demonstrate the driver was negligent, as they breached their duty to drive in a reasonably safe manner. At this point, it becomes unnecessary to prove why they left their lane or did not stop in time.
At the law office of Terry & Kelly Attorneys, our Austin motor vehicle accident attorneys help victims of distracted driving crashes. Call (512)-910-2000 or contact us online for more information today.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
You are driving down a multi-lane road when a driver from a side road pulls out in front of you at the last moment. The driver ends up sideswiping your vehicle, leaving y...
If you are in a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many people choose not to go to the doctor after an accident, thinking they are...
This January in Austin, a road rage incident turned ugly. While stopped at a traffic light on a heavily congested street, two men engaged in an armed fight. A fellow moto...
Bikers know that motorcycle season is in full swing, but not everyone on the road is as aware or prepared for the increase in motorcycles on our roads. Unfortunately, wi...
Tell us about your case and our attorneys will contact you promptly