Texting while driving has become a serious problem across the country. It has led to a dramatic increase in distracted driving, which causes a large number of traffic accidents each year, resulting in significant injuries and death. Despite all the efforts to warn drivers of the risks associated with texting behind the wheel and the laws that have been passed strictly prohibiting the activity, it continues to make the roadways a dangerous place to be. The injury attorneys at Sanders Austin & Flanigan provide expert legal counsel for those who have been hurt due to another person’s negligent actions while operating a vehicle. They have helped many clients in and around Princeton, WV, recover the compensation they’re entitled to from distracted drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 391,000 injuries and 3,477 fatalities occurred in 2015 as the result of motor vehicle accidents where distracted driving was a contributing factor. There are several different ways a driver can become distracted, as this encompasses any activity that diverts attention away from the road in a visual, manual, or cognitive manner.

Personal injury attorneys routinely file claims that state the reason for their clients’ injuries was the inattentiveness of another motorist. However, texting is especially risky because it requires the use of a driver’s eyes, hands, and mind. In the few seconds it takes to read or send a text message, a motorist can cover the entire length of a football field when traveling at 55 mph.

Many people mistakenly believe they can handle multi-tasking just fine, but it’s not worth the potential risk to both oneself and the other motorists on the road. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident due to the reckless behaviors of a distracted driver, it’s important to work with an experienced injury attorney who can help you maximize your claim for damages. Contact Sanders Austin & Flanigan at (304) 425-8125, or visit them online for additional information.