Car accidents in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, result primarily from dangerous driving behaviors. Some of these behaviors are clearly dangerous because they increase the likelihood of a crash. For example, running a red light or driving distracted is extremely risky.
In cases where such actions lead to injury, a Winston-Salem distracted driving accident lawyer can help the victim seek compensation by demonstrating the other driver’s negligence.
Drivers frequently display high-risk behaviors, such as distracted driving, because they don’t believe it impacts their driving. However, a significant number of crashes result from distractions like eating, talking, and texting while driving.
If you’ve been hurt due to distracted driving, the Winston-Salem personal injury attorneys at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can gather evidence to prove liability and help you pursue comprehensive financial support. Call (336) 516-9042 to schedule a free consultation.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in Winston-Salem, NC
Our firm has been a fixture in the Winston-Salem, NC, legal community for decades, with nearly two centuries of combined legal experience. Since our founding 40 years ago, we’ve recovered over $900 million in settlements and court awards (see disclaimer below).
After you suffer an injury in a crash caused by a distracted driver, our Winston-Salem personal injury lawyers can do the following to support your case
- Review your accident and lay out your legal options
- Gather evidence and file an insurance claim on your behalf
- Negotiate with the other driver’s insurer for a fair resolution of your claim
- File a lawsuit if the insurance carrier denies liability for your injuries
Car accident injuries frequently require expensive medical treatment and ongoing therapy. They can also cause disability, preventing you from earning a living. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Winston-Salem distracted driving accident attorney to discuss your injury-related losses and the compensation you can seek for them.
Distracted Driving in Winston-Salem: What the Numbers Show
Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in a non-driving activity that occupies their hands, eyes, or mind. As a result, the driver is unprepared to spot hazards, decide how to react, and maneuver to avoid them.
According to the North Carolina 2023 Traffic Crash Facts report, distracted driving was the cause of almost 17% of all traffic accidents in the state that year. However, distracted driving is a self-reported factor. This means that an officer only notes it as a contributor when a driver admits to being distracted or doing something that took their attention off the road.
Distracted driving is almost certainly underreported for two reasons. First, most drivers are unlikely to admit to it. People generally recognize the risks of this behavior and may be hesitant to own up to violating the law and potentially bearing liability for any injuries they cause.
Second, distracted driving usually leaves little or no evidence after a crash. For example, the only evidence that a driver was reading a text during the collision might come from an eyewitness who saw it happen. Therefore, the investigating officer might not have any grounds to challenge a driver’s denial of distracted driving.
Consequently, the true distracted driving car crash statistics for Winston-Salem are unknown.
However, we can estimate roughly using the state’s reported 16.9% figure and the approximately 10,300 recorded traffic accidents in Winston-Salem in 2023 from the Statewide Crash Statistics dashboard. Based on those figures, around 1,740 reported distracted driving crashes happened in the city that year.
Examples of Inattention and Distraction
Distracted driving occurs when drivers multitask. Almost any activity can prevent someone from driving as safely as possible.
The following activities frequently play a role in distracted driving:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Using mobile apps
- Entering information into a navigation system
- Watching videos
- Eating and drinking
- Conversing with passengers
- Reaching for objects
- Rubbernecking at something outside the vehicle
Inattentive driving is a related behavior. Inattention results from a lack of focus rather than multitasking.
For example, it can happen for any of the following reasons:
- Driving on autopilot
- Highway hypnosis
- Fatigue
- Strong emotions, like sadness or anger
In these situations, the driver’s lack of focus can prevent them from noticing road hazards or reacting in time to negotiate them safely.
How a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Prove Liability
One of a distracted driving accident lawyer’s main duties is to prove liability for a crash. Although this behavior often leaves little evidence, a lawyer may find enough to suggest that the other driver was distracted.
For example, the following evidence might be available after a collision:
- The at-fault driver’s comments
- Eyewitness testimony
- Cell phone records
- Traffic or surveillance video footage
- Photos of the crash scene
A skilled attorney can use these forms of evidence to argue that the at-fault driver failed to operate their vehicle with the care expected of a reasonably cautious person.
Contact Our Winston-Salem Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The consequences of distracted driving can be devastating or even deadly. Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to arrange a free consultation. Our Winston-Salem distracted driving accident lawyers can tell you more about how we can pursue compensation for your injuries after a distracted driver hits you.