Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents across the nation. When drivers take their attention away from the road, even for a few seconds, the consequences can be catastrophic. If you suffered injuries because of someone else’s inattention, you have the right to seek damages from the negligent driver. One of our experienced car accident attorneys could help you build a strong case, prove the driver’s distraction, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At Siniard Law, we represent victims injured in distracted driving car accidents in Huntsville. Our lawyers understand the devastating impact these preventable accidents have on victims and their families, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from safely operating a vehicle. These distractions fall into three main categories: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Visual distractions make a driver look away from the road. Manual distractions take the driver’s hands off the wheel. Cognitive distractions take a person’s mind off driving. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines all three.
Common Distracting Activities
Other activities that divert driver attention and lead to car crashes in Huntsville include:
- Talking on handheld cell phones
- Programming GPS devices
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Reaching for objects in the vehicle
- Grooming activities, such as brushing hair or putting on makeup
- Conversing with passengers
Even hands-free phone conversations can be cognitively distracting, reducing a driver’s ability to react to hazards.
Texting While Driving Laws and Your Rights
Alabama has enacted laws to combat distracted driving, though the state’s restrictions are less comprehensive than those in many other states. However, you can pursue compensation based on general negligence principles.
The State’s Texting Ban
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-350 prohibits drivers from using wireless telecommunications devices to write, send, or read text messages while operating a vehicle. Violating this law carries a fine and provides evidence of negligence in accident cases. However, the law has limitations—drivers may still talk on handheld phones and engage in other distracting behaviors without violating state statute.
General Duty to Drive Safely
All drivers have a duty to drive safely and pay attention to the road. When a Huntsville driver breaches this duty by engaging in distracting activities and causes an auto accident, they could be held liable for resulting injuries regardless of whether they violated a specific statute. This general negligence principle applies to all distracting behaviors, not just texting.
How to Prove Driver Distraction in Collision Cases
Successfully recovering compensation requires proving that the at-fault driver was engaged in distracting activities at the time of the collision. Several types of evidence can establish driver distraction:
- Cell phone records showing texting, calling, or app usage
- Police reports documenting driver admissions or officer observations
- Witness testimony confirming visible distraction
- Surveillance footage or traffic cameras capturing the moments before impact
When combined, this evidence can help demonstrate that the at-fault driver diverted their attention from the road and that their distraction contributed directly to the collision.
Overcoming Contributory Negligence Defenses
The state’s contributory negligence rule makes a thorough investigation essential in distracted driving cases. Insurance companies will search for any evidence that you contributed to the incident, even minimally. They may claim you were also distracted, were speeding, or failed to take evasive action. A Huntsville lawyer from our team could protect your rights by gathering compelling evidence that the other driver’s distraction caused the vehicle collision and that you bear no fault.
Contact a Huntsville Lawyer if Your Auto Crash Was Caused by an Inattentive Driver
Distracted driving car accidents in Huntsville are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause serious injuries. If a negligent driver’s distraction caused you harm, you should not have to bear the financial burden.
Contact us today to discuss your case with our experienced car accident attorneys. We could investigate your accident, gather evidence of the other driver’s distraction, and fight to secure maximum compensation for your injuries. Call us now to schedule a consultation.
