How Victims Of Distracted Drivers Are Legally Protected

Distracted driving poses serious dangers on roadways throughout the country and in South Carolina. When victims have been injured by a distracted driver, there are important legal protections available to them that they should be familiar with.

Distracted driving includes any behavior while driving that removes the driver’s attention from driving. Distracted driving behaviors generally fall into three categories including cognitive distraction, visual distraction and manual distraction. The most dangerous type of distracted driving, texting while driving, combines all three types of driver distraction. Distracted driving can also include operating a radio or navigation device while driving, grooming while driving, eating while driving, using a cell phone while driving and a host of other dangerous driving behaviors.

In many circumstances, a violation of distracted driving laws can be used as evidence of negligence. Distracted driving is generally careless driving behavior that endangers victims. What is important to note is that distracted drivers who negligently case car accidents can be liable to compensate injured victims for the harm they have suffered. Injured victims may be able to recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional harm they have suffered in a distracted driving-related car accident. This can include help for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages.

When car accident victims have been harmed by a distracted driver, it is important to know how to hold that driver accountable and to understand the negligent driver’s liability. Legal protections can help victims receive the help they need when they have been harmed in a distracted driving-related accident.