As many states are enacting bans, the act of texting behind the wheel is getting more news coverage. However, distracted driving covers more than texting, and it causes numerous injuries and deaths each year. If you’ve been injured because of a distracted driver, you may be able to get compensation with the help of a motor vehicle accident injury lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA.
Any Distraction Can be Dangerous
Though texting and driving is a risky habit, it’s only one of many distractions drivers face on the roads. The CDC estimates that almost 3500 people died in distracted driving crashes in 2016, and many of these accidents involved multiple distractions. Teens tend to be easily distracted, and approximately 10% of crash fatalities in this age group can be attributed to distracted driving and texting. If you’ve been hurt in such an accident, all you and your attorney have to do is establish the other driver’s negligence.
When You’re Hurt
To receive compensation, you’ll also have to show that your injury directly resulted from the other driver’s actions. In Pittsburgh and the rest of Pennsylvania, a personal injury plaintiff must establish four elements to prove their case:
• The other motorist owed them a duty of care
• That the person’s behavior breached the duty
• Their injuries arose from the breach of duty
• That they suffered measurable harm
All these criteria must be established for the court to find the other driver negligent. In some instances, a plaintiff may be held partially responsible for their injuries. However, if you can prove that the other person was more at fault, you may still be able to recover some damages.
Call a Pittsburgh Lawyer Today
Though many people don’t take distracted driving seriously, the practice can cause severe harm. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you’ll need help from a motor vehicle accident injury lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA. Business Name or call the office of to schedule an appointment.
