Every day, distracted drivers cause motor vehicle accidents in Sandusky. When motorists focus on adjusting the radio, texting friends, or watching videos on their phones, they put everyone else on the road at risk.
If a driver causes an accident due to inattentive behavior, he could face civil liability for the harm he causes to others. Victims of distracted driving car accidents in Sandusky should reach out to a skilled attorney for help pursuing monetary compensation for medical bills and other losses. At Tittle & Perlmuter, our lawyers can provide valuable legal advice in your case.
Types of Distracted Driving
Ultimately, anything that draws a driver’s attention away from the road in front of him qualifies as a distraction. Even fleeting or seemingly minor distractions could have devastating consequences, since road conditions can change rapidly.
There are three forms of distractions that motorists may face, including: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Visual Distractions for Motorists
Visual distractions involve anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road. Looking away for even a moment could cause an accident, especially when traveling at high speeds. The most common types of visual distractions include reading e-mails or watching videos from a mobile device.
Manual Distractions while Driving
Manual distractions are actions that take a driver’s hands off the wheel. These include behaviors like eating, fiddling with the radio, or putting on makeup while driving.
Cognitive Inattention Behind the Wheel
The final category of distraction is described as cognitive. This relates to anything that mentally distracts a driver. Daydreaming, rubbernecking, and speaking with a passenger are common examples.
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, as it could qualify as all three types of distraction. Reading the text message is visual, contemplating a reply requires cognitive attention, and typing out a message is a manual distraction.
Compensation for Inattentive Driving Accidents
There are different forms of compensation that could be available following an accident with a distracted driver. Monetary awards are meant to cover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are for tangible losses that are easily quantifiable, like medical bills and lost wages. These losses are measurable because their exact value can be established in court through the use of documentary evidence. The cost of a medical procedure can be established using a bill, and the value of a vehicle repair could be demonstrated with an estimate or invoice. There is little subjectivity regarding this type of compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are different because they are entirely subjective. For example, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life are considered types of non-economic damages. These losses cannot be objectively measured, as they impact every person differently.
Because people experience pain differently, there is no standardized way to place a dollar value on a person’s emotional and physical trauma. As such, it is essential for an injured Sandusky resident to work with a skilled lawyer who can assess the full impact of a distracted driving accident on his or her life.
Consult an Attorney on Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Sandusky
If you are considering legal action following a car wreck caused by an unfocused driver, an experienced attorney at Tittle & Perlmuter can help you every step of the way. From dealing with insurance companies to filing your lawsuit, one of our lawyers will work tirelessly to pursue financial compensation on your behalf. Discuss your case with an attorney who focuses on distracted driving car accidents in Sandusky. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.