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How distracted driving can lead to driver negligence in accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, there were over 5 million car accidents reported in the United States in 2012. That amounts to nearly 14 thousand every day. While some accidents are the result of uncontrollable factors such as unexpected bad weather, unseen road hazards or even wildlife on the road, many accidents are the result of driver negligence and could have been prevented.

Distracted driving is considered one of the most common reasons for car accidents in the U.S. Every day, you can find people on the road fiddling with their GPS units or radio, eating and drinking, even applying makeup or shaving while driving. In addition, with the recent popularity of smart phones, more and more drivers are on their phones while driving. In fact, campaigns orchestrated by local law enforcement stress the need to keep the phone away while driving and not to text and drive.

Despite that, accidents still occur, and negligence often plays a role. In addition to distracted driving, negligent driving includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to signal, driving below or above the speed limit and disobeying traffic signals and signs.

With so many Americans on the road each day, and so many ways a driver could become distracted or negligent, it is no wonder why car accidents are so common. If you have been involved in an accident and you believe a negligent or distracted driver played a role, you may be entitled for compensation for your injuries including payment for pain and suffering, medical expenses and rehabilitation, and lost wages.

Source: findlaw.com “Car Accident Basics,” Accessed Sept. 29, 2015

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