Distracted driving is a serious issue throughout the country, and Morgantown is no exception. With its busy streets and college town atmosphere, the risks are amplified. Texting, eating, or adjusting devices while driving can lead to devastating accidents, causing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. To protect your rights after an accident, contact a Morgantown car accident lawyer for a free case evaluation.
What is Distracted Driving?
Before we look into the local impact, it’s important to understand what constitutes distracted driving. Essentially, distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from the primary task of driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) categorizes distractions into three main types:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving
Many activities can fall into one or more of these categories. Some common examples include:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Drinking or eating
- Changing the music
- Speaking to passengers
- Scrolling social media
- Grooming
- Watching videos
Of these, texting is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction. When you send or read a text message, you’re taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off the task of driving.
The Morgantown Context
Morgantown, with its unique blend of college town energy and Appalachian charm, faces its own specific challenges when it comes to distracted driving. Let’s look at some factors that contribute to the problem in our area:
University Population
As home to West Virginia University, Morgantown sees a significant influx of young drivers each year. Unfortunately, younger drivers might participate in distracted driving behaviors, particularly using their phones while behind the wheel.
Busy Downtown Area
With its shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, Morgantown’s downtown can be a hotspot for distracted driving. Drivers searching for parking, looking at storefronts, or trying to navigate unfamiliar streets may take their attention away from the road.
Challenging Road Conditions
Our hilly terrain and sometimes narrow, winding roads require a driver’s full attention. When combined with distractions, these road conditions can become even more treacherous.
Commuter Traffic
Many people commute into Morgantown for work or school, often from surrounding rural areas. Long, familiar drives can lead to complacency and an increased likelihood of distracted behaviors.
Negligence and Liability
In legal terms, distracted driving often falls under the umbrella of negligence. When we represent clients who’ve been injured by distracted drivers, we work to prove four key elements:
- Duty: The driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach: The driver breached this duty by engaging in distracted behavior.
- Causation: This breach of duty caused the accident.
- Damages: Our client suffered injuries or losses as a result.
If we can prove these elements, we can establish the distracted driver’s liability for the accident.
Evidence in Distracted Driving Cases
Proving distracted driving can be challenging, but we have several tools at our disposal:
Cell Phone Records
We can subpoena cell phone records to show if a driver was using their phone at the time of the accident.
Witness Statements
Other drivers or pedestrians may have seen the at-fault driver using their phone or engaging in other distracting behaviors.
Video Footage
In some cases, we may be able to obtain traffic camera footage or dashcam video that shows the driver’s actions leading up to the accident.
Police Reports
If the responding officer noted any signs of distraction, this will be included in the police report.
Expert Testimony
In complicated cases, we may work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the evidence and provide professional opinions on the cause of the crash.
The Human Cost of Distracted Driving in Morgantown
While we’ve talked about statistics and legal concepts, it’s important to remember the very real human cost of distracted driving. At Desai Law, we’ve seen how these accidents can devastate lives:
Physical Injuries
Distracted driving accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from whiplash and broken bones to more severe traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
Emotional Trauma
The psychological impact of a serious accident shouldn’t be underestimated. Many victims struggle with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a crash.
Financial Strain
Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can create significant financial hardship for accident victims and their families.
Community Impact
These accidents don’t just affect the individuals involved. They ripple out to impact families, friends, and the broader Morgantown community.
What to Do After Being Injured By a Distracted Driver in Morgantown
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in Morgantown, don’t face the aftermath alone. At Desai Law, we’re committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and holding distracted drivers accountable. Here’s what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. Get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
They may try to get you to make statements that could harm your claim. Refer them to us instead.
Call a Morgantown Car Accident Lawyer Today
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Morgantown, but it’s one we can tackle together. By understanding the risks, following the law, and holding distracted drivers accountable, we can work towards safer roads for everyone in our community.
At Desai Law, we’re more than just your legal representatives—we’re your neighbors and fellow community members. We’re committed to helping accident victims, raising awareness, and promoting safer driving habits in Morgantown.
If you’ve been affected by distracted driving, whether through your own experience or that of a loved one, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to listen, to support, and to fight for your rights. Together, we can work towards a future where distracted driving is a thing of the past.
Don’t let a distracted driver’s negligence derail your life. Contact Desai Law today at (304) 974-1974 or send us an email and let us help you on the road to recovery and justice. Your journey towards fair compensation and healing starts with a single call – we’re ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
