Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Dunwoody

Trust in a Firm with 25+ Years of Legal Experience

One of the most common forms of driver negligence is driving while distracted. From texting while driving to grooming oneself while behind the wheel, any sort of activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road can greatly increase a driver’s chance of a car accident and place the safety of nearby motorists and pedestrians at risk. If you have been injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver, the knowledgeable Dunwoody car accident lawyers at Law Offices of K. Douglas Cook can fight to protect your rights help you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.

I, Attorney K. Douglas Cook, have handled successfully settled more than 3,000 accident claims during my 25+ years of legal practice and can provide the strong guidance you need to maximize your compensation. Protecting the rights of the injured is my passion, and I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to help you get through this difficult time as smoothly as possible.

Get in touch with my firm online by calling (678) 974-0432 today to discuss your legal options in detail with our distracted driving accident lawyer in Dunwoody.

Common Forms of Distracted Driving

While texting while driving is the most well-known and common form of distracted driving, nearly any type of activity that requires a driver’s visual, cognitive, and physical attention while behind the wheel can minimize a driver’s situational awareness and lead to devastating collisions. As a form of negligence, any driver that should cause a collision as a result of their distraction may be held civilly liable for any damages that may result.

Common distractions behind the wheel include:

• Making and receiving phone calls
• Typing and reading text messages
• Adjusting a navigation system
• Eating and drinking
• Talking with a passenger
• Playing smartphone games
• Personal grooming

Through a detailed examination of the facts surrounding your collision, I can help identify the cause of your collision and pursue legal action against those responsible. With my firm’s assistance, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward. This rapid movement can strain the neck muscles and ligaments, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries could occur when a distracted driving accident results in a violent blow or jolt to the head. TBIs can vary from mild concussions to extreme brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are considered among the most serious injuries that can result from a distracted driving accident. These injuries can cause half or full paralysis, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life.
• Broken Bones: The force of a collision can easily cause fractures or broken bones. Commonly affected areas which include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Depending on the severity, broken bones can require surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy for proper healing.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident. These injuries often need urgent medical attention and can lead to long-term health complications.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Shattered glass, debris, and impact on the vehicle's interior can cause cuts and lacerations. While some of these injuries could be superficial, others can be deep and require stitches or other medical treatment.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?

Some of the damages that could be recovered include:

• Medical Expenses: Medical expenses often constitute a significant portion of the damages in a distracted driving accident claim. This includes expenses for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care required because of the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you have already lost due to the accident and any future earnings you may miss out on if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress that was caused by the accident. This can include anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic impacts that the accident and injuries have had on your daily life.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you might be able to recover the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged property. This ensures you are not left bearing the financial burden of someone else's negligence.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Severe injuries often require extensive rehabilitation to aid recovery. This can include physical, occupational, and other specialized treatments designed to help you regain as much function and independence as possible.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has adversely affected your relationship with your spouse or family members, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This accounts for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy resulting from the injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the distracted driver's behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.