Distracted driving car accidents are common, but sometimes it is hard to prove that a driver wasn't paying attention to the road when the collision occurred. Distracted driving is more than just texting and driving. While mobile phones are a major cause of distraction in the car, drivers can also cause accidents if they were applying makeup while driving, eating while driving, driving with a pet in their lap or fiddling with the radio.
If you want to prove that another driver was driving distractedly and that this caused your accident, then you will want to collect copies of police reports or officer testimonies. Officers almost always create a preliminary assessment of fault document. This may contain the information necessary to prove to the courts that you were the innocent party in an accident involving a distracted driver. If you saw the other driver participating in a distracting behavior before the crash, let the officer know so that he or she can include it in the report. If the officer witnessed distracted driving, then he or she can testify about it in court in your case.
In some situations, the other driver may admit that he or she was driving distractedly. Sometimes, the driver will say something like "I'm so sorry! I was in the middle of a text when I moved into the intersection! I didn't notice that the light had turned!" This is an admission of guilt that could go a long way in a car accident lawsuit. If you are pursuing an out-of-court settlement, this can be particularly helpful.
Witnesses can also be a resource in car accident cases. If you see witnesses that were present at the time of the accident, get their contact information. Also, the police can take witness statements, and these may work to your advantage in a car accident lawsuit. In some cases, all you need to prove distracted driving is the other drivers cell phone records. For example, if it shows that a text was sent at the same time as the accident, or shows that the driver was on the phone at the crime of the collision, phone records can be strong evidence.
As well, there are times that videos or photos can show that a driver was distracted. Surveillance cameras may have caught the crash, or photos such as red-light running photos may show that the driver was distracted when entering an intersection. If you can locate any of these videos or photos, give them to your lawyer so that he or she can utilize them when compiling your case.
Sometimes drivers that caused an accident will flat-out deny the responsibility to compensate drivers. This is when a lawyer can be especially helpful. A hardworking car accident lawyer may be able to help you collect convincing evidence which shows that a particular driver was on his or her phone or was engaging in a distracting activity in the car at the time of the crash. Once the lawyer has developed an argument, he or she can take this to court.
If you believe that you deserve compensation after an accident, don't hesitate to contact a local car accident firm today. Use this directory to locate a lawyer near you who can help you by uncovering evidence and fighting to prove that a particular party was at-fault. With the help of a dedicated attorney, you can pursue justice in your case. Use this directory today to locate a trustworthy and hardworking attorney who will fight for you and work towards the compensation that you deserve!