
Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Cedar Park, TX
Distracted driving accidents are traumatic. If you or a loved one has been a victim of distracted driving, it can feel hopeless. A Cedar Park distracted driving accident lawyer can help you regain control and set you up for recovery by filing a claim against the at-fault driver and pushing for increased compensation for your damages.
With over 20 years of experience helping thousands of Texans file a claim, The Stewart Law Firm can guide you through the process of filing a distracted driving accident claim with confidence. Our attorneys know how difficult it can be to recover after an accident, but a lawyer’s assistance can help you avoid financial hardship, reduce emotional distress, and find justice and accountability for the at-fault driver.
The Importance of Filing a Distracted Driving Accident Claim
Distracted driving accidents are an unfortunate reality. Distractions like eating or drinking, roadside events, or cell phone use are common. At any given time, about 2.1% of drivers are holding their phone to their ear for a call. Cedar Park drivers often face distractions on game day around the H-E-B or during rush hour on US-183. No matter what the distraction is, there is a risk of danger, with over 3,000 traffic fatalities caused by distracted driving each year.
If you have suffered in an accident because of another driver’s negligence, filing a distracted driving accident claim within two years of the accident can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable, find justice, and receive compensation for damages you may face. Common damages for these claims include injuries, lost wages, vehicle damages, and emotional distress.
Filing a distracted driving accident claim can ensure that your legal rights are protected. Filing a claim ensures there is an official record of the incident and requires the other driver to participate in the legal process. This prevents the other driver from avoiding accountability for damages and upholds your right to file for compensation.
Receiving Compensation for Distracted Driving Accidents
Filing a claim can bring you compensation to minimize the impact of the car accident on your future. The cost of recovery can be extremely high, especially with severe damage, but compensation allows you to afford the care you need without facing further hardship. If you hire a distracted driving accident lawyer, they can advocate for increased compensation for factors such as:
- Medical treatment. Hospital bills, medical appointments, medications, and ongoing medical treatments can be expensive. The cost of medical care can be included in your compensation to help you recover from physical injuries.
- Property damage. If your car or other personal belongings, like clothing, personal electronics, or a bicycle, were damaged during an accident, the cost to replace or repair your property can be covered through compensation.
- Disability and impact on quality of life. In some cases, a physical injury or psychological disorder caused by a distracted driving accident can leave you with a permanent disability or unable to do the things you love. Future limitations, such as in your career, hobbies, or permanent medical needs, can impact the amount of compensation you receive.
- Lost wages. Missing work during your recovery, such as due to an injury, legal proceedings, or ongoing medical appointments, can set you back financially. If you lost income after being forced to take time off from work, compensation can cover this cost.
Why Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Cedar Park, TX
A car accident lawyer has years of experience and countless skills that can help you when filing a claim, including:
- Knowledge of Texas’s distracted driving accident laws
- Knowledge of the legal requirements and deadlines for filing a claim
- Ability to analyze evidence
- Skill of negotiating for increased compensation
- Representing you when communicating with law enforcement, the other driver, and in court
FAQs
While inattention can be considered a form of distraction, it is often caused by an internal distraction, whereas typical distractions are often caused by external factors. Inattention includes daydreaming or fatigue, where your mind wanders, and you are passively driving. Distractions could include cell phone usage, eating or drinking, engaging with passengers or pets, and looking at billboards or storefronts.
If you notice another driver is distracted, one thing you can do is ensure your own safety by staying alert and aware of their vehicle. Maintain a safe distance from them and remain calm, refraining from honking or getting their attention. In some cases, it may be prudent to report their location and vehicle information to the police if their negligent behavior is endangering others.
It is not illegal to glance at Google Maps while driving, but it must not be a distraction. While using Google Maps and other navigation systems is not illegal, it is illegal if your phone is in your hand. To reduce the risk of distracted driving, use voice commands, mount your phone so you can see it without holding it, and set up the navigation before you start driving.
Evidence that can be used in a distracted driving accident claim can include, but is not limited to, police reports, witness statements, security camera footage, photos and videos of the scene of the accident, dashcam footage, cell phone records, and medical records. While evidence is used to establish who is the at-fault driver in an accident, your lawyer can also use evidence to calculate the damages you suffered to pursue compensation.
Speak With a Cedar Park Distracted Driving Accident Attorney at The Stewart Law Firm
Distracted driving accidents can leave you suffering from physical injuries, emotional distress, and struggling to afford the high bills and repair costs during your recovery. You may be feeling stressed and alone, but there is help.
The Stewart Law Firm can guide you through the process of filing a claim to receive compensation for your damages. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn how a Cedar Park distracted driving accident lawyer can help you navigate this process.