Distracted Driving Accidents

The car accident attorneys of Peter Thompson & Associates are dedicated to defending the rights of the injured. We are recognized leaders in personal injury law, recovering just compensation for clients harmed by negligence. We have offices conveniently located in Portland, Bangor, and Falmouth to serve accident victims throughout Maine.

Car accidents are a common fact of life in Maine and other states around the country. In fact, they are the leading cause of accidental injury and death in the United States. Because auto accidents are so frequent, Maine law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance in the event of a crash. Car accidents may involve one or more vehicles and cause serious harm. In most collisions, there is generally at least one driver at fault. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of auto accidents on the road. Failure to pay attention or losing focus for even one second can lead to devastating injuries. Distractions may arise from a variety of factors, including:

• Intoxication
• Multitasking
• Talking or texting
• Changing radio dials
• Dozing off at the wheel
• Adjusting rearview mirrors
• Conversing with passengers
• Reaching for objects in the car
• Road rage toward another driver
• Rubbernecking, other distractions

Many motorists think driving is a passive activity that does not merit their full attention. Others use their time on the road to call people back or text friends that they will be running late. Although it seems second-nature, driving actually requires a great deal of focus. The consequences of giving in to distractions can be dire. Even at low speeds, car accidents can cause serious injuries. Beyond the normal cuts and bruises, victims may also suffer broken bones, fractures, and internal injuries. In more severe accidents, the victim may be ejected from the vehicle or suffer permanent disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car collisions are the leading cause of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

Maine personal injury law holds at-fault drivers liable for injuries caused by their negligence. Under basic principles of negligence, motorists owe others a legal duty to operate their vehicles with care. They breach this duty when their distracted driving causes an accident, injuring other parties. When this happens, the negligent driver is liable for any damages resulting from the accident. This may require compensating the victim for property damage, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. The medical costs may include emergency treatment shortly after the accident and any continuing care as the injury requires. Injured victims are also entitled to compensation resulting from their inability to work. Finally, they may also recover non-economic damages associated with the trauma and mental anguish arising from the crash. These are all costs that at-fault motorists and their insurers must pay.

If you were in an accident caused by distracted driving, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates today. We are a results-driven personal injury firm with extensive experience litigating accident claims. Our office has successfully handled numerous types of cases involving crashes caused by negligence. Our first priority is to provide you with stellar representation and recover the compensation you deserve. If you are worried about costly attorney’s fees, have no fear. We can start investigating and pursuing your claim at no up-front to you. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are committed to helping you get back on your feet. Call 800.804.2004 for a free consultation or contact us online.