At Baxley Maniscalco, we extend a warm and compassionate welcome to victims of distracted driving accidents. Our mission is to stand firmly by your side, providing unwavering support, and expert legal representation during this challenging time.
We understand the devastating impact distracted driving accidents can have on individuals and their families, and we are here to fight for your rights and seek the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Baxley Maniscalco?
Specialized Expertise: Our law firm specializes in representing victims of distracted driving accidents. With our in-depth understanding of the complexities surrounding these cases, we are equipped to build strong, compelling arguments on your behalf.
Dedication to Justice: We are deeply committed to seeking justice for victims of distracted driving accidents. Our team will tirelessly work to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Compassionate Approach: We recognize the emotional toll a distracted driving accident can take on your life. Our compassionate team will provide personalized attention and care, guiding you through the legal process with empathy and understanding.
Proven Results: Over the years, we have achieved numerous successful verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our track record reflects our determination and skill in obtaining the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
Take the First Step: Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, we encourage you to take the first step towards reclaiming your life. Schedule a free consultation with us, and we will listen attentively to your story, assess the details of your case, and provide a clear understanding of your legal options.
During the consultation, we will explain your rights, answer any questions you may have, and outline a personalized legal strategy tailored to your needs. We are committed to fighting for your rights while you focus on your recovery.
Don't face the aftermath of a distracted driving accident alone. Let Baxley Maniscalco be your advocate and ally.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Statistics on Distracted Driving in the United States
In 2019, there were an estimated 3,142 deaths and 424,000 injuries due to distracted driving accidents in the United States.
Distracted driving was reported as a factor in 8.5% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes and 15.7% of all injury crashes in 2019.
Drivers in their 20s are the age group with the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Texting while driving is one of the most alarming and dangerous distracted driving behaviors. Sending or reading a text message takes a driver's eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that's equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded.
According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 42% of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving at least once in the past 30 days.
Another survey by the CDC found that 58% of adults in the United States admitted to texting or sending an email while driving.
Despite increased awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, the prevalence of this behavior remains a concern. According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), approximately 2.8% of drivers were observed using handheld electronic devices while driving in 2019.
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes annually.
The NSC also states that drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Distracted driving not only affects drivers but also pedestrians and cyclists. In 2019, 605 pedestrians and 77 cyclists were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the crash and the force of impact.
When drivers are not fully attentive to the road due to distractions, their ability to react quickly and make split-second decisions is compromised, leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Some common types of injuries caused by distracted driving accidents include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked forward and then backward, causing strain to the soft tissues and muscles in the neck.
- Head Injuries: Drivers and passengers may suffer head injuries, such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures if they hit their head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects inside the vehicle.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: The impact of a distracted driving accident can cause serious back injuries, such as herniated discs, fractures, or spinal cord injuries, leading to long-term disabilities.
- Broken Bones: High-impact collisions can result in fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Chest Injuries: The impact from a collision may lead to chest injuries, including broken ribs or contusions, especially if the driver or passengers are not wearing seat belts.
- Internal Injuries: The force of the collision can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may require immediate medical attention.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, loose objects, or sharp debris inside the vehicle can cause cuts and lacerations to drivers and passengers.
- Facial Injuries: Drivers and passengers may sustain facial injuries, including fractures, cuts, and bruises, from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbags during the impact.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises to soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) are common in accidents due to sudden movements or forceful impacts.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Distracted driving accidents can also result in emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, especially for those who have experienced severe or life-threatening accidents.
It is essential to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away. A timely medical evaluation can ensure that injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, and it can also provide valuable documentation for any potential personal injury claims.
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Can You Recover for After Being Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident?
After being injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be eligible to recover various types of compensation to help you cope with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of the accident.
The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Here are some common types of compensation you may be entitled to seek:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all past, current, and future medical bills related to the injuries sustained in the accident. This includes hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries resulted in missed work or a reduced ability to work, you may be entitled to recover the wages you lost during your recovery period. Additionally, if your injuries lead to a long-term disability that affects your earning capacity, you may also seek compensation for future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages may be available to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings, was damaged in the collision, you can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
- Emotional Distress: You may be eligible to claim additional compensation for severe emotional trauma, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the distracted driving accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident has diminished your ability to enjoy life's activities and experiences, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, if the accident has affected your relationship with a spouse or family member, you may be entitled to seek damages for loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the distracted driving was particularly reckless or intentional, you may be able to pursue punitive damages, which are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
To maximize the recovery of damages after being injured in a distracted driving accident, it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
An attorney can assess the specifics of your case, gather evidence, calculate the full extent of your losses, and advocate on your behalf to seek fair and just compensation for your injuries and damages.
How Can a Lawyer Help After You’ve Been Hit by a Distracted Driver?
A distracted driving accident lawyer can be a crucial ally in helping you navigate the legal process and protect your rights after being involved in a distracted driving accident.
Here are some ways a skilled attorney can assist you:
- Legal Expertise and Experience: A distracted driving accident lawyer specializes in handling cases like yours. They have a deep understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and legal procedures, enabling them to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to gather essential evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness testimonies, phone records, and surveillance footage. This evidence will help establish the liability of the distracted driver.
- Establishing Liability: Your attorney will work to prove that the other driver's distraction was the primary cause of the accident and your injuries. This may involve demonstrating that the driver was texting, using a phone, eating, or engaging in other distracting behaviors at the time of the collision.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements or deny claims altogether. A skilled lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Calculating Damages: Determining the full extent of your damages can be complex. An experienced attorney will assess all aspects of your injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress to accurately calculate the compensation you are entitled to.
- Advocacy in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will present a compelling argument to a judge and jury, seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Reducing Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. Your lawyer will handle the legal complexities, paperwork, and communication with the other party, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.
- Protecting Your Rights: Insurance companies may attempt to take advantage of unrepresented individuals or pressure them into accepting inadequate settlements. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.
- Access to Expert Witnesses: In some cases, expert witnesses may be necessary to support your claim. Your attorney will have access to a network of qualified experts who can provide testimony on your behalf.
- Peace of Mind: Having a skilled distracted driving accident lawyer by your side provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a strong advocate fighting for your best interests and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
At Baxley Maniscalco, we firmly believe that our clients should not have to worry about upfront legal fees while seeking justice and rightful compensation for their injuries. That's why we operate on a contingency fee basis.
What does that mean for you? Simply put, we only get paid if we win your case. This approach ensures that you can have access to experienced legal representation without financial burden during an already challenging time.
- No Out-of-Pocket Costs: You won't be required to pay any fees upfront. We will cover the costs of investigating your case, gathering evidence, and conducting necessary legal proceedings.
- Risk-Free Representation: With our contingency fee arrangement, you can pursue your case with peace of mind. If, for any reason, we don't secure a successful outcome, you won't owe us any fees.
- Aligned Interests: Our fee structure aligns our interests with yours. We are highly motivated to achieve the best results for you, as our payment depends on winning your case and obtaining a favorable settlement or verdict.
By handling the legal complexities and financial aspects, we allow you to focus on what matters most: your recovery and well-being.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we invite you to take advantage of our free consultation. During this confidential meeting, our experienced attorneys will listen attentively to your story, assess the details of your case, and provide a clear understanding of your legal options.
Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights, pursuing fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Let us stand by your side, offering unwavering support and expert guidance.
Don't wait any longer. Schedule your free consultation today by contacting us at (256) 770-7232.
Together, we can seek the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Remember, you don't pay us unless we win your case.