If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident in Matthews, North Carolina, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. At Panchenko Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims of distracted driving accidents recover compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Accident victims need a qualified Matthews distracted driving accident lawyer on their side. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation. Contact a Matthews car accident lawyer at Panchenko Law Firm today!
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States, and North Carolina is no exception. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road due to other activities, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming.
Impact of Distracted Driving Accidents
The NHTSA reports over 3,000 people died from distracted driving in 2022.
Distracted driving car wrecks can cause severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Accident victims may face costly medical bills, lost wages due to their inability to work, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a decreased quality of life. For those who have lost a loved one due to a distracted driving accident, the grief can be overwhelming.
The effects of a distracted driving accident can be long-lasting, which is why it’s essential to have a Matthews distracted driving accident lawyer who will fight for fair compensation to cover your current and future expenses.
Types of Driving Distractions
Driving distractions can be classified into three main types: manual, visual, and cognitive. Each of these distractions can impair a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react to potential hazards, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions occur when a driver physically takes their hands off the wheel. Examples include texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object inside the vehicle. Even a brief moment of manual distraction can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Visual Distractions
Visual Distractions involve taking the driver’s eyes off the road. Looking at a phone, GPS screen, or a passenger can distract the driver visually, making it difficult to see road signs, pedestrians, or other vehicles. This type of distraction can delay a driver’s reaction to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive Distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. Daydreaming, engaging in a deep conversation, or thinking about personal matters can lead to a lack of attention to the task at hand, increasing the likelihood of missing important driving cues or not reacting quickly enough to dangerous situations.
Any of these distractions can lead to serious accidents, making it essential for drivers to stay focused on the road at all times.
North Carolina’s Texting and Driving Law
It is illegal to text while driving in North Carolina. However, certain uses of electronic devices are allowed, including:
- Using a device while legally stopped or parked
- Operating a GPS or digital dispatch system
- Using voice-activated technology
- Use by law enforcement, firefighters, or ambulance operators performing official duties
Violating this law can result in a $100 fine plus court costs. School bus drivers face a Class 2 misdemeanor with a minimum $100 fine.
Why You Need a Matthews Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
After a car crash with a distracted driver, the last thing you need is added stress from legal battles. By hiring a Matthews distracted driving accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal process.
Building a Case Against the Distracted Driver
Proving that distracted driving was the cause of the accident can be complicated. A lawyer from Panchenko Law Firm can handle this investigation and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf. We will thoroughly investigate your accident, including reviewing phone records, examining traffic camera footage, and speaking to witnesses. We may hire accident reconstruction specialists to help prove that distracted driving caused the accident.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay to accident victims. They may attempt to shift blame onto the injured party or offer a low settlement. With a Matthews distracted driving accident lawyer advocating for you, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance companies.
Representation in a Lawsuit
Most car accident cases are settled outside of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your Matthews auto accident lawyer will be prepared to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.
Compensation for Distracted Driving Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses and damages. At Panchenko Law Firm, we understand the financial and emotional toll that a car accident can take on victims, and our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
Medical Bills
From emergency room visits to follow-up appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications, medical expenses can quickly add up after a distracted driving crash. Victims can seek compensation for current medical bills and future medical costs for long-term care or rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
You deserve to be compensated for the income you’ve lost due to the accident. This can include both lost wages from missing work and lost future income if your injuries impair your ability to work.
Property Damage
Vehicle repairs or replacement can be costly. A Matthews distracted driving accident lawyer will pursue compensation for the damage to your car and any other property that was damaged in the accident, such as electronics or personal belongings.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain caused by your injuries can be debilitating, and the emotional distress and psychological impact of the accident can be just as damaging. Victims may experience trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the accident.
While it’s more difficult to quantify, compensation for pain and suffering aims to account for the physical and emotional toll that the accident has had on your life. This can be especially significant in cases involving serious, long-term injuries.
In addition to these main categories of compensation, victims can seek punitive damages if the driver’s behavior was particularly reckless.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Matthews, NC
After a distracted driving accident in Matthews, North Carolina, you should take these steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so getting checked out by a healthcare professional is crucial for your well-being and for building your case.
Call the Police
Call law enforcement immediately to report the car accident. Having officers at the scene ensures that an official police report is created, which can serve as critical evidence when determining liability. This report may include witness statements, the officer’s observations, and any citations issued, all of which can strengthen your personal injury claim.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance details with the distracted driver. Be sure to collect their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance policy details. While interacting with the other driver, remain calm and avoid discussing fault, as anything you say could be used against you later.
Gather Evidence
If you are able to do so safely, collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the accident site, and any visible injuries. If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information.
If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their contact information. Witness statements can help support your case.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Even if you believe you may have been partially at fault, it’s important not to admit liability at the scene of the accident. Distracted driving cases can be complex, and it’s best to leave the determination of fault to your attorney and the investigators.
North Carolina has a contributory negligence law, which means you cannot recover compensation if you are found even 1% at fault for a car accident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Reach out to a Matthews distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Panchenko Law Firm, we understand the challenges that come with recovering from a distracted driving accident. Our team of experienced lawyers is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Panchenko Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident in Matthews, North Carolina, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact the experienced North Carolina accident attorneys at Panchenko Law Firm for a free consultation. We will review the details of your case, answer your questions, and provide you with the legal guidance you need to move forward.
We are committed to helping you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us fight for your rights and ensure that you can focus on healing. Reach out to Panchenko Law Firm today and take the first step toward recovery.
