Serving Victims of Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers in Kentucky
There is a new emerging trend on social media: Driving selfies. This is when drivers take pictures of themselves while behind the wheel – and often while driving at high speeds. Most of these are posted on social media networking sites using hashtag #drivingselfie. While most drivers are more than aware of the dangers of texting and talking while driving, there are a vast number who do not realize the dangers of taking a quick snap of the camera.
Cell phones are highly versatile these days – and they are almost like personal on-the-go computers for most cell phone owners. While they have great functions, none of those functions should be used while driving.
Driving Selfies are a Form of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is becoming a serious concern in the United States. As of 2014, there were more than 3,179 people killed and over 431,000 injured due to distracted driving accidents (according to Distraction.gov). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that ten percent of all drivers ages 15 to 19 years old were involved in fatal crashes while being distracted. This age group is also at high risk for accident for distractions, and is one of the leading age groups for using social media (including taking selfies) while driving.
Taking a driving selfie requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from a driver – therefore, it is one of the most alarming forms of distractions on the road. The best way to refrain from distractions is to put down the phone and not take driving selfies. Even taking a driving selfie at a stop sign could be dangerous, because the driver is still not aware of other vehicles, pedestrians crossing in front of his or her vehicle or cyclists that may be coming up from behind.
Driving Selfies are Negligent
If a driver causes an accident because he or she was taking a driving selfie, that driver could be held liable for those actions – both criminally and civilly. If the injured party feels that the other driver was taking a selfie, you should contact a personal injury attorney right away. As the victim, you must prove that the driver was negligent in order to receive compensation. Because the driver most likely uploaded the driving selfie to social media – which is timestamped – it may be easier to prove negligence.
Speak with an Auto Accident Attorney First
If you have been injured in an auto accident because of a driver taking a selfie, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To assess your case, contact Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC at 502-791-9000 or fill out our online contact form with your legal questions. At our firm, we help injured victims receive the compensation that they deserve, but also hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Even if the state does not prosecute them, you still are entitled to seek compensation. Get started today by contacting our law firm for your free consultation.
