Distracted Driving and Drowsy Driving Cause Accidents

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have calculated that distracted driving results in nine deaths and over 1,000 car accident injuries every day. Likewise, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, people falling asleep behind the wheel contributed to 72,000 wrecks, 44,000 injuries and 800 fatalities in 2013 alone. If you have been injured in an accident of this nature, a Philadelphia accident lawyer from Metzger & Kleiner could manage the details of your personal injury claim. Distracted driving and drowsy driving cause accidents. Pennsylvania law prohibits drivers from using wireless communication devices. In 2012, police officers gained the ability to pull people over if they are seen using a phone while driving. The first offense imposes a $50 fine. Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard. The first distracted driving citation places a non-sanction violation on a person's commercial driving record.

The Law Recognizes the Hazards of Distracted Driving

A driver who had acted negligently by violating the ban on texting while driving might wish to hide this fact after an accident. The attention of an Allentown car accident attorney from our firm could uncover evidence of this negligence. Other forms of distraction also slow the reaction times of drivers. These driving distractions include:

• Adjusting the radio controls
• Eating, drinking and smoking
• Searching for objects inside the vehicle
• Using a smartphone to talk or send emails

Almost any activity that prevents people from observing traffic could justify your claim of negligence against the driver. A Philadelphia injury attorney could look for evidence of distraction within police reports or request cell phone records when necessary. Our efforts on your behalf could counteract denials of responsibility.

Distracted Driving Citations on the Rise in Pennsylvania

As of December 2017, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts reported that tickets issued to distracted drivers had increased substantially over the last five years. In 2017 alone, police officers wrote 5,054 citations. This represented a 51 percent increase from 2016 when law enforcement issued 3,336 citations. Court records reveal some interesting trends about who is driving distracted and when, such as:

• The month of May had the most tickets.
• Men represented 69 percent of offenders.
• People in their 20s received 37 percent of citations.
• Most tickets were written between 8 a.m. and noon.

Although a focus on enforcement has contributed to the increase in citations, the data indicates that distracted drivers pose a widespread threat to traffic safety. A case evaluation by an Allentown car accident lawyer could expose facts supportive to your personal injury case.

The Silent Threat of Drowsy Driving

The CDC has identified truck drivers and night-shift workers as common sources of drowsy driving. Medication, lack of sleep and untreated sleep disorders all have the potential to make someone fall asleep at the wheel and cause an accident. A survey of drivers 18 and older indicated that one in 25 people admitted they had fallen asleep while operating a vehicle in the past 30 days. Unlike obvious distractions such as texting on a phone, drowsiness is more difficult for law enforcement to spot. Drivers, particularly those who drive commercial trucks, still bear the responsibility of remaining alert. If a truck accident has left you with serious injuries, a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer might find evidence of driver fatigue by examining trucking logs. Federal laws set limits on the time that commercial truck drivers can spend on the road. Discovering previous violations or incomplete trucking logs could strengthen your effort to gain a financial settlement.

Victims Deserve Compensation

When you suspect a private individual or commercial driver of negligence, an attorney from our firm will be prepared to organize evidence about your injuries. Our representation could relieve the burdens of investigating an accident and negotiating with an insurance company while you are recovering from injury or facing disability. As your attorneys, we’ll work hard to identify every responsible party. This could include the driver, vehicle manufacturer, or trucking company. We will analyze all applicable insurance policies and identify coverage that you are entitled to receive. Our representation could prevent a responsible party from forcing a low settlement on you when you are in a vulnerable position. We are willing to handle the tough conversations with insurance companies and assert your right to compensation.

Contact Metzger & Kleiner

A free initial consultation with an injury attorney at Metzger & Kleiner is a logical first step when an accident has inflicted financial hardship on you. You can contact us to arrange an appointment time by calling 215-567-6616 in Philadelphia or 610-435-7400 in the Lehigh Valley. Our toll-free number is 866-847-4170.