Injured by a Distracted Driver in Harrisburg? How to Prove They Are To Blame

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of Harrisburg car accidents. However, holding those at fault accountable is often a challenge.

Unlike drunk driving and other reckless behavior, distracted driving is difficult to prove. Our Harrisburg car accident lawyer explains more about these crashes and the evidence you need to hold at-fault drivers liable for your injuries.

Distracted Driving Car Accidents In Harrisburg: How The Negligence Of Other Drivers Puts You At Risk

Under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, all drivers are legally required to operate their vehicles with care and avoid reckless behavior that poses a threat to others. When they engage in distracted driving and cause a car accident in Harrisburg, they can be held liable for negligence. You may be entitled to compensation in an injury claim through their insurer or by taking your case to court.

According to PennDOT, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of collisions throughout the state. It includes any behavior that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the steering wheel, and your attention away from the task of driving. This includes:

• Texting or using a smartphone;
• Adjusting GPS or in-car entertainment systems;
• Eating or drinking;
• Talking to passengers or handling pets;
• Personal grooming
• Reaching for items in your back seat or glove compartment.

Being distracted for even a few seconds significantly increases the odds of a crash, which puts innocent motorists and their passengers at risk.

How to Prove the Other Driver Was Distracted

The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that distracted driving crashes claim the lives of over 3,000 people across the country each year and leave hundreds of thousands of other victims suffering serious harm. However, the actual number is likely much higher, as distracted driving is difficult to prove.

When a Harrisburg car accident happens, the other driver is unlikely to admit they were texting, daydreaming, or otherwise distracted at the time. That’s why gathering evidence is crucial to building a convincing claim. Evidence that can help to establish negligence in distracted driving cases includes:

• Police reports noting distracted driving behavior or citations;
• Cell phone records showing calls, texts, or app use around the time of the crash;
• Eyewitness statements from other drivers, passengers, or bystanders;
• Traffic or dashcam footage capturing the driver’s actions;
• Accident reconstruction analysis by experts who can demonstrate distraction patterns.

The sooner you get legal help after this type of accident, the more time there is to preserve and collect vital evidence.

Get Professional Legal Representation After a Harrisburg Distracted Driving Accident

Injuries from a distracted driving accident in Harrisburg can leave you facing steep medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery challenges. You shouldn’t have to shoulder that burden alone, especially when someone else’s negligence is responsible.

At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we represent clients in distracted driving claims and gather evidence to hold those at fault liable. To get the compensation you need to recover, contact our office. Request a consultation today with our experienced Harrisburg distracted driving lawyer.

Sources:

pa.gov/agencies/dmv/resources/laws-and-regulations/pa-vehicle-code-title-75.html

pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety/traffic-safety-driver-topics/distracted-driving.html

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving