Norfolk Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Representing Injured Victims in Virginia Beach, Newport News & Roanoke

While you cannot control the actions of other drivers, you can take steps to protect yourself on the road. Unfortunately, when drivers become distracted, they put everyone at risk. These days, it is all too easy for a driver to become distracted, whether by a smartphone, a GPS device, or even a passenger. When a driver is not paying full attention to the road, he or she can easily cause an accident.

Were you injured in a distracted driving accident? Our Norfolk car accident attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman PC can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call (855) 880-8163 or online to schedule a consultation with our team.

Types of Distracted Driving

There are three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. These categories refer to the different ways in which a driver can become distracted. Any form of distracted driving can be extremely dangerous and can easily lead to a serious accident.

Below are the three main types of distracted driving:

• Visual Distractions: Visual distractions occur when a driver takes his or her eyes off the road for any length of time. This can include looking at a cell phone, reaching for something in the backseat, or even looking at the scenery.
• Manual Distractions: Manual distractions occur when a driver takes his or her hands off the wheel. Like visual distractions, manual distractions can be caused by a cell phone or by reaching for something in the backseat. They can also be caused by eating or drinking while driving.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions occur when a driver's mind is not fully focused on the road. This can be caused by thinking about something other than driving, such as work, family, or personal issues.

Distracted Driving Statistics

Distracted driving remains a major issue in the United States, with significant implications for road safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving contributed to approximately 9% of all fatal crashes in 2022. This statistic highlights the severe impact that distractions can have on driving safety.

One of the primary distractions is texting while driving. The NHTSA estimates that this activity increases the risk of a crash by 23 times compared to driving without distractions. In addition to texting, phone use in general was involved in about 14% of distracted driving crashes in 2022. Drivers aged 16-24 are particularly vulnerable, with approximately 39% of distracted driving accidents involving individuals in this age group.

The annual impact of distracted driving is substantial, with over 300,000 crashes reported in 2022 alone. Texting while driving is especially hazardous, making a driver 6 times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How to Prove Distracted Driving in Virginia

Proving that another driver was distracted can be challenging. After all, you are only one person, and you cannot be in two places at once. However, our Norfolk distracted driving accident lawyers can help you gather evidence to prove that the driver who caused your accident was distracted.

Below are some types of evidence that can be useful in distracted driving cases:

• Cell Phone Records: If the driver who caused your accident was using his or her cell phone at the time, we can request the cell phone records to prove this.
• Witness Statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, we can speak to them to find out if they saw the driver using his or her cell phone or engaging in any other type of distracted driving.
• Police Reports: The police report may contain evidence that the driver was distracted, such as statements made by the driver or by witnesses.
• Expert Testimony: If necessary, we can work with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals to help prove that the driver was distracted.

Why Choose Kalfus & Nachman PC?

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we have been representing the injured for over 40 years. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve, and we will fight tirelessly for you.

Our Norfolk distracted driving accident attorneys have extensive experience both in settlement negotiations and in the courtroom. We will work with you personally to understand your unique situation.

Contact us at (855) 880-8163 to schedule a free consultation with our team.