Luzerne County Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Distracted driving accidents are caused by drivers who are not paying full attention to the road. Distractions can include talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, or even looking at a map. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,522 people lost their lives in accidents involving driver distraction in 2021. The NHTSA also reports that between 8-9% of fatal car accidents involve distracted driving.

If you were involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other damages. At Slusser Law Firm, we can help you pursue a claim for compensation. Our knowledgeable attorneys can provide you with the legal representation you need to seek the maximum recovery.

Schedule a case evaluation by contacting us online or call (570) 405-9953 today.

What Are the Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents?

Distracted driving accidents are often preventable and result from drivers diverting their attention from the road. Common causes of distracted driving accidents include:

• Texting and Driving: Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions. It involves visual, manual, and cognitive distraction simultaneously, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

• Talking on the Phone: Holding a conversation on a handheld or hands-free device can divert a driver's attention, impacting their ability to focus on the road.

• Using GPS: Inputting destinations, looking at maps, or adjusting GPS settings can take a driver's attention away from driving safely.

• Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving can be distracting, requiring manual and visual attention away from the road.

• Adjusting Controls: Changing the radio station, adjusting climate controls, or interacting with in-car entertainment systems can cause distraction.

• Talking to Passengers: Engaging in conversations with passengers, especially if they require extensive attention, can divert a driver's focus.

• Daydreaming: Allowing the mind to wander or daydream while driving can lead to a lack of awareness of the road and surrounding conditions.

• Rubbernecking: Gazing at events or incidents outside the vehicle, such as accidents, can lead to inattention to the road ahead.

• Using In-Car Technologies: Interacting with built-in navigation systems, entertainment consoles, or other technologies in the vehicle can be distracting.

• Grooming: Fixing hair, applying makeup, or engaging in other grooming activities while driving diverts attention from the road.

• Reading: Reading books, newspapers, or other materials while driving is a dangerous form of distraction.

• External Distractions: External factors like billboards, roadside attractions, or other activities can divert a driver's focus.

• Fatigue: Driving while fatigued or drowsy can impair a driver's ability to stay attentive and make quick decisions.

• Reckless Driving: Engaging in aggressive or reckless driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding or tailgating, can lead to distraction from safe driving practices.

• Using Social Media: Checking or posting on social media while driving is a dangerous form of distraction that has become more prevalent with the widespread use of smartphones.

If a distracted driver injures you or a member of your family, our attorneys can help you pursue compensation. We can help you understand your legal rights and how to move forward with a claim. Call our office today at (570) 405-9953 to speak with a distracted driving accident lawyer in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Recoverable Damages in a Distracted Driving Accident Case

If you were involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. At Slusser Law Firm, we can help you pursue a claim for damages. Our knowledgeable attorneys can provide you with the legal representation you need to seek compensation for your:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Physical and emotional trauma
• Property damage

Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your recovery may be limited. If you were less than 50% at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. The amount of your recovery will be limited to the percentage of fault you have in the accident. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for the accident and the driver is found to be 75% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 25%. However, if you are found to be over 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any compensation.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Slusser Law Firm, we are committed to helping our clients seek the compensation they deserve after a distracted driving accident. Our experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania laws and can help you navigate the legal process. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Determine liability and fault
• Work to reduce your liability
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a claim and advocate for you in court if necessary

Our goal is to help you recover as much compensation as possible so that you can move forward with your life after a distracted driving accident.

For a case evaluation, call (570) 405-9953 or fill out our online contact form.