Were you injured in a collision with a driver who was texting, scrolling through social media, eating or drinking, talking to a passenger, or was otherwise distracted behind the wheel? At The McCallister Law Firm, we understand the stress and strain that comes with severe injury accidents. Not only have you suffered painful injuries requiring costly medical care, but you might also be dealing with lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses you never planned for.
That’s why we’re here to help. Our Kansas City car accident lawyers take a personal approach to every case and are here to help you cope with and navigate the aftermath of the accident. If you’ve been injured, contact us to discuss your situation and how we could help.
WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a person’s attention away from the task of driving. When a driver is not paying attention, the risk of an accident increases significantly. Some common forms of distracted driving include:
- Using a cell phone (to talk, text, or use apps)
- Daydreaming
- Eating or drinking
- Grooming or applying makeup
- Adjusting the stereo or other vehicle controls
- Talking to passengers
- Rubbernecking (for example, examining a collision or a roadside police stop)
DOES KANSAS CITY HAVE A DISTRACTED DRIVING LAW?
In Kansas City, Missouri, it is illegal to text or email while driving, and drivers under 21 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. Drivers found to be distracted during a crash may face fines and penalties and can also be held liable for any injuries and property damage they cause.
HOW DANGEROUS ARE DISTRACTED DRIVING CRASHES?
Distracted drivers could cause severe injury or even fatal crashes. Some common types of accidents caused by distracted driving include:
- Rear-end collisions – Distracted drivers may not brake or react in time, causing them to hit the car in front of them.
- Side-impact collisions – Someone who is distracted may not see a car in their blind spot or might not notice a car changing lanes, resulting in a collision.
- Head-on collisions – A driver focused on other tasks while driving may drift into oncoming traffic or make a wrong turn, resulting in a head-on collision.
- Single-vehicle accidents – A driver who is not paying attention may run off the road, hit a tree, or cause other types of accidents while not paying attention to the road.
- Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents – A distracted driver may not see a pedestrian or bicyclist in their path, resulting in a collision.
- Rollover accidents – A distracted driver could suddenly swerve or lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a rollover accident.
Even a split-second distraction (like looking down at a phone to send a text) could lead to a severe or fatal injury accident, so drivers should always put their phones away, refrain from eating or drinking, and stay focused on the road ahead.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON INJURIES CAUSED BY DISTRACTED DRIVING CRASHES?
Some common injuries caused by distracted driving accidents include:
- Head injuries (including traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs)
- Whiplash
- Spine and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Emotional harm including stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In the worst-case scenarios, drivers or passengers involved in distracted driving collisions could suffer catastrophic injuries or be killed. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced distracted driving lawyer like those at The McCallister Law Firm for the aggressive legal representation you deserve.
WHAT TYPE OF COMPENSATION COULD I RECOVER FROM A DISTRACTED DRIVER?
If a distracted driver injured you, you could seek fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered and losses you’ve incurred. Depending on the severity of your injuries and other factors, you may be able to recover the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses – You could seek money to cover the cost of any medical treatment you needed as a result of the accident, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages – If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you could recover the wages you lost as a result.
- Property damage – You could be owed money to pay for the damage to your vehicle or personal property caused by the accident.
- Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional pain can be challenging to treat and deal with, so you could seek reasonable compensation for what you’ve been through.
- Punitive damages – In extreme cases, a judge or jury might award you punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver for their behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
It’s important to note that each case is different, and the compensation you could recover will depend on the insurance coverage available and the extent of your injuries and losses. That’s why it is essential to discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney who could help you understand what compensation the at-fault party owes you and how to pursue it.
INJURED IN A COLLISION? CONTACT A KANSAS CITY CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
At The McCallister Law Firm, our Kansas City, MO attorneys have extensive experience handling distracted driving cases. We believe in providing top-notch legal representation and personal attention to every client, and that’s why we start by carefully listening to your concerns. This isn’t just a job; it’s a full-time commitment to helping our clients and their families recover after injury accidents.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a distracted driving accident in Kansas City, call us or contact us online for a 100% free and confidential case evaluation.