Car Accident Lawyer Virginia Beach
April marks a critical month for raising awareness about a growing issue on our roads: distracted driving. Every year, this month is dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving, a behavior that continues to claim thousands of lives and lead to countless injuries across the country.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is still one of the top causes of traffic fatalities, responsible for the deaths of more than 3,000 people every year.
Here in Virginia, distracted driving kills approximately 65 people each year and leaves more than 11,000 people injured.
As Virginia Beach car accident attorneys, we feel it’s important to address this serious issue head-on and emphasize the impact it has on both victims and their families, as well as the steps everyone can take to help reduce these tragic accidents. If you have been injured in a distracted driving crash, the legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is here to help.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving can be categorized into three main types:
- Visual distractions: Anything that takes your eyes off the road, such as looking at your phone, GPS, or a passenger.
- Manual distractions: Actions that require you to take your hands off the steering wheel, like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio.
- Cognitive distractions: When your mind isn’t focused on driving, such as daydreaming or thinking about personal matters.
All of these distractions pose significant risks to road safety. For instance, a driver who is texting is likely to be engaged in all three types of distractions—looking at the phone, using their hands to type, and mentally processing the message.
What Is the Impact of Distracted Driving?
The consequences of distracted driving are severe and far-reaching. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day, approximately nine people are killed, and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes that involve a distracted driver. Despite the known risks, many drivers continue to engage in distracting activities behind the wheel.
The truth is, no one is immune to the effects of distracted driving. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, ranging from broken bones and concussions to more severe consequences like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even death. In addition to the physical toll, the emotional and financial impact on victims and their families can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and the ongoing psychological effects can leave families struggling long after the accident.
For those who survive a distracted driving accident, the path to recovery is often long and difficult. Physical rehabilitation, therapy, and the emotional trauma of the event can make it hard to move forward. Unfortunately, the consequences don’t stop there. Distracted driving accidents can also disrupt the lives of entire communities, leading to higher insurance premiums, increased emergency response demands, and loss of productivity in local economies.
Why Distracted Driving Awareness Month Matters
Distracted Driving Awareness Month was created to shine a spotlight on this problem and encourage drivers to think twice before engaging in distracting activities behind the wheel. It’s a reminder that driving requires our full attention and focus. In addition to helping prevent accidents, raising awareness about distracted driving can lead to stronger legal frameworks and more enforcement on the roads. Lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups all play a key role in spreading the message and enacting laws to curb distracted driving.
One of the most significant efforts made in recent years is the push to outlaw texting while driving, a law now in place in almost every state. While laws have made a difference, enforcement remains a challenge. More education and public support for these laws are necessary to prevent further harm.
How You Can Help Prevent Distracted Driving
While raising awareness on a broader scale is essential, individual action is equally important. As drivers, we must recognize the dangers of distracted driving and take responsibility for our own actions on the road. Here are some steps you can take to help reduce distracted driving:
Put the Phone Down
One of the most prevalent distractions is the use of smartphones while driving. Put your phone on silent or use a “do not disturb” mode when driving. If you must make a call or send a message, pull over to a safe location before doing so.
Prepare Before You Drive
Set your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and tune the radio before you begin driving. This will minimize distractions and ensure that you won’t need to make adjustments while on the road.
Stay Focused
Be aware of what’s going on around you and avoid multitasking. Whether eating, applying makeup, or engaging in a deep conversation with a passenger, keeping your focus on the road is crucial.
Speak Up
If you’re a passenger in a vehicle with a distracted driver, speak up. Encourage the driver to focus on the road. If you feel the situation is unsafe, ask them to pull over and address the distraction.
What We Can Do as Personal Injury Attorneys
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we are deeply committed to supporting victims of distracted driving accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving crash, we understand the challenges you face. We know how devastating it can be to recover from such a traumatic event. Our legal team is here to help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Our firm has four decades of experience handling personal injury claims related to car accidents, including those caused by distracted drivers. We work tirelessly to gather evidence, advocate for our clients, and ensure they receive the justice they deserve. This is evident in the more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts our Virginia Beach injury attorneys have obtained for our clients.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a distracted driving accident, contact our office for a free case evaluation. For your convenience, we have offices in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Norfolk.