Which Types of Drivers Are Most Likely to Be Distracted?

Distracted driving is among the leading causes of serious and deadly motor vehicle crashes in Texas and throughout the country. While existing statistics reveal just how often distracted driving is a causal factor in accidents, it is also important to know that these numbers are likely underreported since there is not a clearcut way (such as a breathalyzer to detect a DUI per se) to identify a driver who was distracted at the time the collision occurred. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 425,000 people sustain nonfatal injuries in distracted driving accidents each year, and more than 3,000 people are killed.

It is important to be able to recognize signs of a distracted driver so that you can avoid a collision whenever possible. Yet it is also important to remember that it is not your fault if a negligent driver, due to an avoidable distraction, causes a collision in which you are injured. In such cases, you may be able to file a claim. You also may be wondering: Are some types of drivers more likely to be distracted than others? The data suggests that age is a primary factor. Our Texas auto injury lawyers can say more.

Age as a Predictive Factor in Distracted Driving Collisions

While there are certain other factors that can sometimes be associated with distraction and distracted driving, the NHTSA and CDC report that age is the primary predictive factor.

According to the CDC, “young adult and teen drivers are more at risk for distracted driving than other age groups.” Among teens and very young adults aged 15-20, distraction can take various forms, from texting while driving to having a conversation with another passenger.

How to File a Claim Against a Distracted Driver in Texas

Many people who have been injured by distracted drivers file an initial insurance claim to seek compensation. When the payout from an insurance claim is insufficient to cover losses, it may be possible to move forward with a civil lawsuit. For both insurance claims and civil lawsuits, it is important to have an attorney on your side who can work to gather relevant evidence that proves the other driver was distracted, and thus negligent and liable, at the time of the collision.

Under Section 16.003 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. Concerning auto accident cases, this typically means that your lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the crash caused by the distracted driver in which you were injured. There are few exceptions to this two-year statute of limitations, so it is important to begin working with a lawyer on your case as quickly as possible. 

Contact a Texas Car Accident and Injury Lawyer Today for Assistance with Your Claim

Were you injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver? You should reach out to an experienced Texas car accident and injury attorney at John Reed, Attorney at Law to find out more about your options for seeking financial compensation. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you with your case.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

cdc.gov/distracted-driving/about/index.html

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/cp/htm/cp.16.htm