Steps to Take if You’re Involved in a Distracted Driving Crash

Car accidents are scary; it takes just a few seconds to completely alter the life of the person involved or, in some unfortunate cases, even cause death. But in recent years, the number of car accidents has been increasing. One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving, leaving those involved with minor to severe injuries and even emotional distress.

What are the Common Distractions in Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that requires the driver to take their attention away from the road, even if it is momentarily. They are often simple activities, but at times, just a second of distraction may lead to a chaotic accident. A few common distractions include texting on their cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio or GPS, etc.

Due to the rise in such incidents, it is crucial that you know your rights in order to safeguard your health and get the right compensation if you are ever involved in a distracted driving crash. So, here are a few steps you need to keep in mind to help navigate through such incidents.

1. Your Health Comes First

If you have been injured after the accident, always remember that your health comes first. So the first step after any accident is to check yourself and any accompanying passenger for injuries. Even if the injuries are minor, it is always best to get medical attention to ensure that there are no issues like internal bleeding.

Also, your medical records may play an important role in proving the accident and the amount of compensation you will receive.

2. Report the Incident

One mistake that people often make is not reporting the incident to the concerned authorities. But a police report plays a crucial role in serving as evidence, especially in a distracted driving case.

When talking to the police, always ensure that you tell the truth and stick to only what you know. Do not make any assumptions about the other driver. These are vital if you decide to pursue your case legally.

3. Collect Evidence at the Scene

If you are safe and have no injuries, then ensure that you scan through the scene for any evidence you can collect. By collecting evidence at that moment, you can ensure that you don’t miss out on anything that may be crucial for your insurance claim or case.

You can collect evidence by taking photographs and videos of the scene and the position of the vehicles, checking for any skid marks, identifying any surveillance cameras, and talking to any witnesses of the accident. Also, don’t forget to collect the contact details of the witnesses.

4. Get the Details of the Other Driver

Once both you and the other driver have calmed down, try to get the necessary details like phone number, license, license plate, etc. Ensure that you keep the conversation polite and don’t confront the other driver directly. Using necessary statements can backfire, as they may be used against you in the future.

5. Keep all the Records

This is one of the most important steps to take after being involved in any type of accident. That is, be sure to keep all your records safe. The records include anything that can be used to prove the accident, such as police records, medical records, bills, and any other expenses that have arisen due to the accident.

Also, be sure to be open about how the accident has affected your daily life and its impact on your mental health, as this can be helpful to calculate your non-economic damages, if any.

Final Thoughts

When involved in a distracted driving crash, acting quickly and taking steps like keeping your records safe and documenting the incident can protect your rights and help you get fair compensation. Getting help from an experienced personal injury attorney can also ensure that you are not downplayed by the insurance companies and help you get the justice you deserve.