Distracted Driving Around the Holidays in Kansas City
Distracted Driving On the Rise in Kansas City During the Holidays
The holidays are a wonderful time of year. However, the holidays can also cause stress and anxiety for many people.
As people hurry to finish last-minute shopping, purchase groceries, take children to see Christmas lights, and generally rush through multiple tasks, it is easy to become distracted while driving. Our minds are focused on what we need to do next instead of the road ahead.
There are some people who prefer to wear masks while driving this holiday season because of COVID precautions. It is common to have extra passengers in the vehicle that are not part of your household or close circle of family or friends. Wearing a mask can be distracting for drivers as they try to adjust the mask while looking in the rearview mirror.
Children may be unusually loud and excited in the car this time of year. Drivers may be more likely to look at to-do lists or respond to text messages while driving as they try to multi-task to finish holiday errands. In some cases, drivers focus on holiday displays and lights instead of driving.
Unfortunately, the consequences of distracted driving during the holidays can be dangerous, or even deadly.
Distracted driving accidents cause devastating injuries and damages. If you were injured by a distracted driver in Kansas City, you deserve to be compensated fairly. Contact our Kansas City car accident attorney for a free consultation. Call our personal injury law firm at 816-203-0143 or reach out to us online to speak to a member of our legal team.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents in Kansas City
Although the holidays may add additional reasons why drivers become distracted, distracted driving is a common cause of car accidents each day. At our Kansas City personal injury law firm, we see that multi-tasking is often the problem. Drivers do things that directly impact their ability to focus on the road and control the vehicle.
Examples of distracted driving include, but are not limited to:
- Talking on a cell phone
Texting while driving- Daydreaming
- Programming vehicle controls
- Dressing oneself
- Eating and drinking
- Reaching for objects
- Taking care of children or pets
- Putting on makeup or grooming
Any activity that takes your eyes or mind off the road is a dangerous distraction. Likewise, taking your hands off the steering wheel can cause you to swerve off the road or into oncoming traffic. The time it takes for you to regain control of the steering wheel could be too late to avoid a collision.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Distracted Driving Accident in Kansas City?
Kansas and Missouri personal injury laws provide legal causes of action to recover compensation for car accident injuries and damages. Examples of the damages you can recover for a car accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reductions in earning capacity
- Disfigurement, disability, and impairments
- Cost of personal and nursing care
- Reduced quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
However, before you can recover any money for a distracted driving accident, you must prove that the other driver caused the collision. You do not necessarily need to prove that the driver was distracted at the time of the crash. However, you need to prove that the driver’s actions were a proximate and direct cause of the car accident.
You also need to prove that the car crash caused your injuries and you incurred damages. Prompt medical attention is the best way to prove the accident caused your injuries. Our Kansas City car accident can help you establish the evidence you need to hold the negligent driver accountable.
What Should I Do After a Distracted Driving Accident?
It is natural to become frustrated or angry when another driver clearly does something that results in a car accident. Unfortunately, that will not help you know what to do after a car accident. However, try to remain calm and assess your injuries. Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical services.
Never admit fault or discuss the accident with the other driver or eyewitnesses. If people witnessed the accident, ask them for their names and contact information. Unfortunately, witnesses may leave before police officers have a chance to talk with them.
Avoid saying you are “okay” or that you “feel fine.” Instead, say you will see your doctor regarding your injuries if you feel you do not need to go to the emergency room immediately. You could have delayed symptoms after a car accident that indicate a severe injury. Promptly following up with your doctor can reduce the risk of your injury worsening or becoming life-threatening.
Then, as soon as possible, see your doctor and seek legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney in Kansas City. Our car accident lawyer is ready to assist you and guide you through the process of making a complete recovery.
Contact Our Kansas City Distracted Driving Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Whenever a car accident occurs, it can turn your life upside down. However, traffic accidents during the holiday season impact the entire family’s holiday plans. Instead of spending time with family at home, you could spend the holiday in a hospital room.
If a distracted driver injured you or your family member, our Kansas City car accident attorney is ready to help. Our law firm handles personal injury cases throughout Missouri and Kansas. Call us at 816-203-0143 or contact us online so our car accident attorney can provide you and your family guidance and support.
