Distracted driving can pose serious risks to drivers and pedestrians. Attorney April Collins, a highly experienced car accident lawyer in Birmingham, has handled countless distracted driving cases and helped our clients recover compensation for significant injuries and vehicle damage.
As a resident of Birmingham, you should be fully aware of the dangers and consequences of distracted driving that you may encounter while driving. Let’s dive into the details.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can easily lead to road accidents. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have terrible consequences, such as:
Increased Risk of Accidents
When drivers are distracted, they are less likely to notice what other vehicles are doing. For example, they may not notice that the vehicle in front of them has come to a stop. An inattentive driver is also more likely to let their vehicle drift into surrounding lanes. The most common accidents Attorney April Collins sees in distracted driving cases include rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and head-on collisions.
Impaired Reaction Time
Distracted drivers often lose their focus on the road and have little time to adjust. Even if they manage to see the danger coming, they may not have enough time to stop or to swerve to avoid a collision.
Risk of Fatalities
When a driver fails to focus on the road and gets distracted by phone usage or other factors, they may cause fatal injuries to themselves or others, especially at high speeds. Five seconds of distraction at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field while wearing a blindfold.
Legal Consequences for Distracted Driving
Distracted driving comes with hefty fines and legal proceedings in Birmingham, AL. Here are the possible consequences every driver should know:
Violation Penalties
Driving and texting is an offense in the state of Alabama. If the driver is found guilty of distracted driving due to texting, they may incur hefty penalties depending on the jurisdiction and the number of violations.
Civil Liability
When charged with distracted driving, the driver can be legally held responsible for injuries caused to the involved parties. Additionally, the driver may be held responsible for property damage.
Possibility of Criminal Charges
Severe road accidents and fatalities can pose criminal charges on the driver for distracted driving. Such drivers may face manslaughter or reckless driving charges.
License Suspension
In extreme cases, the state may revoke or suspend the driver’s license, taking their driving privileges away.
Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident? Attorney April Collins Is Here to Help!
The above factors highlight the dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving in Birmingham, AL. As a vehicle owner, you must be highly careful on the roads and avoid all distractions for a safer driving environment.
However, if you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you’re in experienced hands if you call Collins Law for help. Let Attorney April Collins and the skilled team at Collins Law help. As experts in the industry, we can help you prepare for your legal proceedings and get you the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case!