By now, most drivers in the Charlotte area are probably familiar with what distracted driving looks like. We see drivers behind the wheel who are eating, putting on makeup, talking to others in the vehicle, messing with their “infotainment” system and, perhaps most prevalent of all, using their smartphones. Of course, there are plenty of other examples of distracted driving as well—it is quite common, and dangerous.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in one recent year alone—2020—over 3,100 people died in traffic accidents that involved distracted driving. And, as we all know, 2020 was an odd year with fewer drivers on the road due to the prevalent illnesses, so those number could be higher in subsequent years. Drivers in North Carolina and throughout the country seem to be more and more distracted as time goes on.
Traffic collisions are already one of the top causes of death in America, but distracted driving accidents are worse because they are, for the most part, entirely preventable. There is no need for drivers to take their attention away from the task of driving. A car collision can leave people facing life-altering, severe injuries. Or, even worse, collisions can lead to fatalities.
Consider your options
If you have been injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver, it may be time to consider your options. A personal injury lawsuit might lead to an award of financial compensation, which can be used to pay off medical bills and other expenses that add up quickly in the aftermath of such an event.