Skip to Content
Top

There are probably more distraction-based accidents than we know

|

Distraction-based accidents have always existed, but they have definitely ramped up since the invention of the smartphone. It’s just very easy for people to get distracted in the car by their phone, most people have their phone with them all the time and it’s been shown that phones are very addictive. This has created a perfect storm for car accidents and it’s become very dangerous.

For instance, the statistics from 2018 claim that distraction-based accidents led to roughly 15% of all injuries, with about 400,00 total injuries. They also led to 8% of fatalities, with 2,841 people losing their lives in these accidents. All told, about 14% of crashes that were reported to the police were caused by distraction.

All of this is bad enough on its own, with thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries, not to mention an incredible amount of property damage. But the reality is that this probably only scratches the surface of the full amount of distraction-based accidents.

How do you prove distraction?

One of the big problems with this is that it’s not always that easy to prove that a driver was distracted. If someone was spotted on a dashcam talking on the phone at the moment of an accident, then there is proof. But this isn’t something an officer can show up and test for after the fact, like alcohol-affected crashes. If the driver is not on their phone at the scene and claims they weren’t while driving, the officer may not be able to prove otherwise.

Now, there have been other ways that people have proven distraction, such as looking up phone records and finding out that someone sent a text message only a second or two before causing an accident. But a lot of phone usage doesn’t leave these types of records. If someone was just browsing through pictures that they took or looking for a new song in their music library, there may be no proof that can really be gathered.

What all this suggests is that the totals for distraction-based accidents are always going to be low because you’re always going to have crashes that happen where the driver denies being distracted. They’re the only one who knows that is what led to the accident.

However, if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver, whether they were admitted to being distracted or not, you may be able to seek financial compensation.

Contact Us Today

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Haxel Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Above & Beyond"
    Very pleased how Marty handled my case. I would recommend Hazel Law to anyone needing workman comp representation.
    - Tom M.
    "Someone You Can Trust"
    Marty has always given me sound, pragmatic advice. Straightforward and honest opinions whether on a consult or a hire. Always puts the client first.
    - Bob P.
    "Martin Truly Cares About You"
    I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.
    - Marvin S.
    "Truly The Best"
    Marty is not only a great lawyer, but a great person!
    - Bobby D.
    "Thank You"
    His professionalism, knowledge, and compassion helped me through this difficult situation and I know he will go to bat for me if I need him to do more in the future.
    - Ann E.
    "Marty was great to work with!"
    He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.
    - Kristi D.
    "Thank you, Martin."
    When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.
    - Chris Y.
    "Excellent Firm To Work With"
    Super fast response and always had answers to any of our questions. Highly recommend doing business with Haxel Law if the need ever arises.
    - Kirk K.