What to Do If a Distracted Driver Hits You
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. It happens when a driver loses focus because they perform other tasks like eating and using handheld devices while driving.
The thing is that one of these distracted drivers may accidentally hit your car and cause you to sustain injuries and damage.
You should thus know what to do in that situation, especially since you can claim compensation from the at-fault driver.
Tips on Dealing with an Accident Caused by Distracted Driving
1. Take Photos of the Accident Scene
It’s crucial to take intensive photos of the accident scene to serve as evidence that could support your claim. They may prove the injuries and damage you sustain, who is at fault, and involvement of distracted driving.
For example, you may take photos of food or cell phones on the at-fault driver’s dashboard. These may indicate that the other driver was doing something else and was distracted while driving.
Also, include pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Damage to all involved cars
- Position of the involved vehicles
- Area conditions like wet roads if it is raining
Request another person to take the pictures if you can’t move because of your injuries.
2. Swap Vital Details with the Other Driver
Next, remember to exchange vital details with the other driver, like:
- Name
- Contact information
- Insurance details
- Car information like model and plate number
These are crucial information you need when filing a compensation claim.
3. Call the Police
Remember to call the police, as they can conduct an immediate investigation into the accident scene. The officers will look for further evidence like:
- Condition of involved vehicles
- Skid marks of tires on the road
- Video footages
- Witness statements
They can also determine if distracted driving caused the accident and document their investigation in a police report.
Collect a copy of the police report as its necessary for claiming compensation. This document may also contain information about the accident that could support your case.
4. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Consulting a Burbank auto accident attorney is crucial in a car crash case, as they can investigate further to gather better evidence.
For example, they may connect with an accident reconstruction expert to determine the actual event before and during the car crash. They may also get a court order to check the other driver’s mobile phone to see if they were texting while driving.
Moreover, a professional lawyer will help you file a claim and determine the compensation amount you deserve. They will also represent you in litigation to support your case.
5. Seek Immediate Medical Care
Immediately consult a physician within 48 hours after the car crash, even if you don’t feel severe pain. Remember that some cases of physical trauma like whiplash may cause late symptoms. Delayed medical check-ups can damage compensation claims as the other driver’s insurance provider may consider you are not severely injured.
While at the doctor’s office, remember to secure a copy of your medical report. Also, keep copies of your:
- Laboratory results
- Prescription
- Treatment bills and medication receipts
These documents can prove the severity of your injury and the amount you spend on medical treatment.
Auto Accident Lawyer in Burbank for Car Crash Involving Distracted Driving
Drivers can prevent accidents by focusing only on driving and keeping distractions away. It’s thus frustrating to think about sustaining injuries and damages from a car crash caused by a distracted driver.
Fortunately, you may claim compensation from an at-fault driver after a road accident. A Burbank auto accident attorney will help you investigate and prove if distracted driving caused the car crash.