If you are hit by a distracted driver, you will likely grapple with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial strain for a significant amount of time—and the process of claiming the compensation that you need to cover your associated costs in Philadelphia can feel overwhelming.
Our car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC have years of experience helping car accident victims pursue the damages necessary to get their lives back on track after a collision; we understand what you are going through. Let us tell you what you need to know.
What Are the Dangers of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can include texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers while operating a vehicle. Each one of these seemingly minor actions can have devastating consequences because distracted drivers react slower, overlook imminent hazards, and make critical judgment errors while behind the wheel. Every time a driver chooses to divide their focus, they endanger themselves and everyone around them.
How Can You Prove a Distracted Driver Caused Your Accident?
You will need careful documentation and evidence to prove negligence or recklessness on the part of the at-fault driver, which will help you claim the compensation that you need. Seek medical attention immediately after your accident to rule out any serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, or to get them treated if you did sustain one. Not only will a medical evaluation protect you, but the examination will also help you link your injuries directly to your accident.
If possible, once you contact medical services, take photographs of the scene, gather any eyewitness contact information, and exchange contact details with the other involved parties. Some of our clients have used the at-fault driver’s phone records or surrounding surveillance footage to prove their side of the story.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident?
Courts often award car accident victims with two types of compensation. The first is ‘economic’ damages, which help pay for tangible related expenses like hospital stays, rehabilitation, lost wages due to an inability to work, and property damage. The second, ‘non-economic’ damages, helps to cover damages that do not have an associated dollar amount: these include pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and a degraded quality of life.
If the court decides that the distracted driver acted particularly recklessly or egregiously when they caused your accident, they can award you with ‘punitive’ damages to punish the driver’s behavior and discourage similar actions in the future.
Get Legal Help from the Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC
If you need to deal with insurance companies, opposing counsel, and the Philadelphia court system to recover compensation for the injuries you sustained, you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer to guide you step-by-step, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and fight for your rights. Trust the seasoned Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC to advocate for your best interests. Call us at 215-569-8488 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our office locations in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.