Few people imagine they could wind up in a hospital when they take their automobile out on a commute or a longer journey. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent being hit by a distracted driver. The prevalence of mobile communication devices makes this possibility more likely today, even though most states have banned actually making manual cell phone calls.
If you have been hit by another driver who was using their cell phone at the time of the crash, then you have a reasonable chance of obtaining compensation. You will find that legal advice and help from an experienced personal injury attorney, if you do decide to sue the other driver, will be invaluable.
What is the Chance of a Head on Collision With a Driver Talking on a Cell Phone?
Many states now ban using cell phones and driving at the same time, although most still allow hands free use. Cell phone calls are still potentially distracting, even with hands free devices. Statistics held by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that distracted driving of this nature has become the number one cause of highway vehicle accidents.
That means that if you are on a winding one lane rural road, you need to keep an extra eye open for vehicles approaching you that seem to be driven erratically. At least you may have a little warning before a head on collision and may even see the other driver with the cell phone in their hand just before you are hit. This could be useful evidence later.
Possible Head On Crash Injuries
Head-on crash injuries are potentially the worst in any type of vehicle accident. The severity of the injuries that can be sustained in ahead-on collision are magnified because of the speeds of the two vehicles are added together. For example, if both vehicles are moving at say 50 mph when the crash happens, the impact will be equivalent to a single vehicle hitting the other at 100 mph.
The other aspect of a head-on collision is that whoever is sitting in front is more exposed to injury. Typical injuries include damage to the chest, face and head. Brain damage is a common and serious injury. Very severe collisions can result in crushing and potential spinal injuries, as well as broken bones.
What You Can Do to Recover Damages
Any serious accident caused by a negligent driver may result in injuries. If this has happened to you, you will want to consider whether a claim for compensation is feasible. You will need to acquaint yourself with state rules on personal injury claims. These vary somewhat from state to state. Things that vary include the time period allowed to make a claim, what to do if you have been injured by a government employee (the rules may be different), whether it will make any difference if you were partly responsible for the collision, and how much you can claim.
Whatever the state’s rules on personal injury, you will definitely need sufficient proof that the other driver was acting in a negligent manner. Your attorney can help you obtain the documentation you will need to support your case if you do decide to sue the other driver.
Why You Should Use an Attorney to Help You With a Personal Injury Claim
Most personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations to discuss injuries resulting from car accidents. These can be invaluable when trying to decide whether it is worth submitting a claim for compensation. Personal injury attorneys also mostly defer their legal fees until a successful payment has been negotiated. This makes it sensible to use an attorney to help you with your claim.
