Distracted driving can cause more car accidents than you may realize. More specifically, the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration reported that, in 2020, more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents. Follow along to find out what you should do if you are involved in an accident and how a Fayetteville, Arkansas car accident lawyer at the Knapp Law Firm can represent you.
What are common examples of texting while driving in the state of Arkansas?
First off, the most common form of distraction is texting while driving. And so, the state of Arkansas considers it a traffic violation to text or otherwise use a handheld device while behind the wheel, and this comes with potential citations.
Other forms of distracted driving that are recognized by the state of Arkansas are as follows:
- Driving with eyes off the road:
- Driving while grooming oneself in the mirror.
- Driving while fixated on the rearview mirror.
- Driving while fixated on a billboard or something on the side of the road.
- Driving while distracted with disruptive children in the backseat.
- Driving with one or both hands occupied:
- Driving while eating or drinking.
- Driving while smoking.
- Driving while operating a GPS.
- Driving while fishing for an item out of the glove compartment.
- Driving while adjusting the car controls.
- Driving with a pet on one’s lap.
What should I do if I am involved in an accident?
It is an unfortunate turn of events when you are practicing safe driving, but you ultimately get involved in a car accident due to a distracted driver. So, if this happens to you, then you must take the following steps:
- Call the police: a law enforcement officer will arrive on the scene to conduct an official accident report and to call for medical backup.
- Take photos and videos: capture all injuries, damages, hazardous road conditions, and the overall scene of the accident.
- Collect contact information: ask the other party, or parties, for their name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance policy number, etc.
- Recruit witnesses: ask present witnesses for the photos and videos they may have of your accident, along with their contact information.
- Get medical attention: go to the ambulance that arrives on the scene, and afterward go to the hospital and to follow-up appointments with your physician as directed.
And by taking this approach, you will set yourself up nicely for a personal injury claim. So, your final step should be to employ a talented Fayetteville, Arkansas personal injury lawyer. We will help you collect additional evidence, like surveillance camera footage of your accident, and overall bring your claim to fruition. If you are ready to recover your damages and attain justice, contact our firm today.
