Warwick Distracted Driving Car Accident Attorneys

Distracted driving is very common, and it’s an incredibly dangerous behavior. Distracting driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities in the U.S. It claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you were the victim of a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you should contact the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. immediately. Our seasoned attorneys have the skillset, resources, and passion needed to help distracted driving victims recover the full financial compensation they deserve. You shouldn’t have to go through this traumatic experience alone. We’ll be by your side throughout your entire case to offer support and guidance.

Our Warwick distracted driving accident attorneys will fight assertively and skillfully to hold the other driver liable for the suffering they caused. With our 24/7 customer service, we’ll be here when you need us. Schedule your free consultation by calling (401) 751-8855. We’ll advise you on your legal options and get you on the road to recovery.

Distracted Driving Comes in Various Forms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines distracted driving as performing an activity that diverts your attention from the task of driving. There are three main types of distracted driving:

Manual distractions involve taking one or both hands off the wheel to do something other than control the vehicle. Most car crashes are the result of this type of distraction. Common examples include:

Texting
Picking up the phone to answer a call
Drinking or eating
Grooming
Applying makeup
Changing the radio
Adjusting the temperature

Visual distractions occur when the driver takes their eyes off the road to look at something else. If you’re not looking at the road ahead, you can’t see hazards and attempt to avoid them. Common examples of visual distraction include:

Looking at a map or GPS
Reading a text or email on an electronic device
Staring in the mirror
Turning to face a passenger during a conversation
Reading a billboard

Cognitive distractions are the result of the driver taking their focus and attention off of driving. It can happen for a split second or an extended period of time. Some types of cognitive distractions go hand-in-hand with visual or manual distractions. The following are common examples:

Mentally preparing for a presentation at work or exam at school
Focusing on a conversation with a passenger
Disciplining children in the back seat
Singing along to the radio
Daydreaming
Road rage

How to Handle a Car Accident That a Distracted Driver Caused

If a distracted driver caused your accident and you sustained injuries, you should follow the steps below to protect your rights to compensation.

Step 1: Call 911 to report the accident and wait for law enforcement to arrive. They will perform an investigation into the cause of the accident and write a crash report.

Step 2: Obtain the other driver’s auto insurance information so you can file a claim.

Step 3: Take pictures of accident scene evidence, such as damage to the cars, debris in the road, and other relevant details.

Step 4: Talk to witnesses and write down their names and phone numbers.

Step 5: Seek medical attention after leaving the crash site. If the doctor refers you for additional treatment, follow their instructions, and continue to see your medical providers until you recover.

Step 6: Bring your car to a repair shop for an estimate of the damage.

Step 7: Keep track of time missed from work and wages you’re unable to earn due to the injury.

Step 8: Keep copies of your medical records, prescription medications, and other documentation associated with the accident.

Step 9: Hire a Warwick distracted driving accident attorney.

You Can File an Insurance Claim for Compensation of Your Damages

In Rhode Island, there’s a fault system in place for car accidents. The at-fault driver is automatically financially responsible for your injuries and associated costs. You can file a claim with their auto insurance company and negotiate a settlement to cover your losses.

All drivers have a legal requirement to carry liability insurance with minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage. Those limits can pay for an injured party’s damages. Damages are the expenses and losses resulting from an accident. They fall under two major categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages include:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Out of pocket expenses

Non-economic damages include:

Emotional distress
Loss of consortium
Pain and suffering
Lost quality of life

If you discover that the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have liability coverage, you can file a claim with your auto insurance carrier. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides compensation to accident victims when the at-fault party doesn’t carry auto insurance. A UM claim can reimburse the following damages:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Car repairs or replacement
Pain and suffering
Out of pocket expenses

Why You Should Never Admit Fault After a Car Crash

Even if the other driver caused your accident because they were distracted behind the wheel, you may have also contributed to your accident. Whether you were speeding, tailgating, or disobeying traffic signals, there’s a chance you share some blame for the crash. However, it’s important you don’t admit to fault. When answering questions about the accident, keep your responses brief and to the point.

If you’re partially responsible, it could affect the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the pure comparative fault rule. When you share some blame for a car crash, your total damages get reduced by the same percentage of shared fault.

To clarify, let’s say your total damages are $100,000. Under normal circumstances, you could pursue $100,000 in financial compensation from the at-fault driver. However, if you’re found to be 20% liable for the accident, the most compensation you would be entitled to would be $80,000.

Contact Us

Our Warwick distracted driving accident attorneys have the experience and resources needed to protect our clients’ rights and recover the maximum financial award. You can count on us to take care of everything, so you don’t have additional responsibilities. We’ll work hard to reach a favorable outcome so you can put this overwhelming experience behind you.

At Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd., we have a dedicated team of legal professionals who will make you a priority. When you hire us, we’ll be available 24/7 to speak with you about your case and guide you through the process. Call (401) 751-8855 if you were the victim of a distracted driving car accident. We’ll schedule your free consultation with one of our Warwick car accident attorneys.