You may not always think of distracted driving as being dangerous in the same way as drunk driving, but it can often be just as deadly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 400,000 people are injured and almost 3,000 are killed each year in accidents involving distracted drivers. If you are a Wisconsin motorist who has been involved in a distracted driving accident, you need to know your options for pursuing compensation from the liable party through a personal injury claim.
Causes of Distracted Driving in Wisconsin
Cell phone use, especially texting, is perhaps the most prominent example of a distraction that leads to unsafe driving, but many other behaviors can also cause drivers to remove their eyes and attention from the road for several seconds or more, during which time an accident may occur. Some examples of these negligent actions include:
If you have been injured in a car accident, you are likely feeling stressed and unsure of what to do. After things have calmed down a bit and you have exchanged information with others involved in the accident and made any required police reports, it is important to visit the doctor right away. Doing so will protect your health and increase your chances of obtaining the full and fair compensation you may be entitled to.
When you do visit the doctor after a car accident, there are certain questions you should ask in order to protect your rights and recover in a safe and efficient manner. These questions include:
Teens are more likely to cause car accidents than older, more experienced drivers. While gaining more experience and learning how to drive defensively is important for them, it is just as essential for teens to properly maintain their vehicles.
A well-maintained vehicle can keep teens away from dangerous situations and reduce the risk of accidents. Here is a brief list of car maintenance tips teen drivers are highly encouraged to follow:
One of the most common types of injuries car accident victims face is whiplash, which occurs when the sudden movement of a person’s head places their neck and spine under a great deal of stress. Regardless of how whiplash occurs, those who suffer from it typically require some type of medical treatment in order to recover. Those who have been involved in a car accident should be sure to understand what this neck injury is and what your rights are if you sustain it.
Whiplash Symptoms
The symptoms of whiplash usually appear within 24 hours of an accident, and they may include: