Drivers face many distractions when they get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, distracted driving behaviors often result in devastating crashes. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our team is here to help if you need a Virginia Beach distracted driving accident attorney. If you have been injured as a result of the negligence of another driver, we want to make sure that you recover total compensation for your losses. Let us use our resources to investigate your claim, prove that the other driver was distracted, and help you recover the money you need to get through this.
Why Choose Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp?
- The team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been a leader in terms of multimillion-dollar settlements throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and North Carolina.
- We handle only personal injury law cases. This helps us focus our resources and experience in one area of law so we can better serve our clients.
- We believe in providing the highest level of personal client services, and we take the time to get to know the stories of the people who walk through our doors.
We have had tremendous success securing major settlements and crash victims, including a $340,000 arbitration award for a man who sustained a TBI after a car accident caused by a distracted driver.
How Will an Attorney Help a Virginia Beach Distracted Driver Case?
Distracted driving car accident cases can become very complex, particularly when it comes to actually proving that the other driver was distracted behind the wheel. A distracted driving accident lawyer in Virginia Beach can use their resources to uncover various types of evidence to prove a distraction, including:
- Photo or video surveillance
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Mobile device data
- Vehicle “black box” data
- Accident reports
When an attorney proves liability, they will vigorously negotiate with insurance carriers in order to recover full compensation on behalf of their client.
Causes of Distracted Driving Crashes in Virginia Beach
According to data available from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, we can see that there were 18,808 total crashes involving distracted drivers across the Commonwealth during the latest reporting year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there are three main types of distraction:
- Visual – taking your eyes off the road
- Manual – taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive – taking your mind off of driving
There are various types of distracted driving behaviors that can cause significant car accidents in Virginia Beach. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Cell phone usage: Sending or receiving text messages
- Browsing social media
- Reading emails
- Taking selfies or videos
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Talking to someone else in the vehicle
- Reaching for objects inside the vehicle
Cell phone use is the most common behavior and it contributes to the largest number of car accidents. Mobile devices are incredibly helpful, but they should not be used while operating a motor vehicle. Texting on cell phones causes lapses in attention that could have disastrous consequences.
Time Limit for Filing a Distracted Driving Accident Claim
It is crucial to understand that like car accident cases, distracted driving accident victims have a two-year window with which to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver. Any person who files a claim beyond the Virginia personal injury statute of limitations will likely be unable to recover the compensation they are entitled to for their injuries.
Call a Virginia Beach Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to the actions of a distracted driver in Virginia Beach, the team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is standing by to help you today. Our team has decades of experience investigating complex injury claims, and we know what it takes to stand up to aggressive insurance carriers. Let us use our resources to prove the negligence of the distracted driver so we can recover the compensation you need to move forward.
When you need a Virginia Beach distracted driving accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by filling out the contact form on our website or calling us at (833) 997-1774.