Mobile Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident in Mobile, AL?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident in Mobile, Alabama, it's essential to seek legal representation from experienced professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. At Cunningham Bounds, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and obtaining the compensation they deserve. Our team of skilled attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling mobile distracted driving accident cases throughout Alabama.

To schedule a free consultation, call (251) 299-0101 or complete our online contact form today.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the primary task of operating a vehicle safely. It involves engaging in behaviors that can impair a driver's focus, judgment, and ability to react to the road and traffic conditions. Distracted driving is a significant risk factor for accidents, injuries, and even fatalities on the road.

Distracted driving can be broadly categorized into three main types:

1. Visual Distractions: These occur when a driver's eyes are diverted away from the road. Visual distractions impair a driver's ability to see and react to hazards on the road. Even a momentary diversion of the eyes can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
2. Manual Distractions: These involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. Manual distractions can reduce a driver's ability to control the vehicle effectively, especially in emergency situations. Without both hands on the wheel, reaction times may be delayed, and the driver's ability to steer the vehicle can be compromised.
3. Cognitive Distractions: These occur when a driver's mind is not fully focused on the task of driving. Cognitive distractions can impair a driver's ability to process information, make decisions, and react to changing traffic conditions. Even if the eyes are on the road and hands are on the wheel, cognitive distractions can lead to lapses in attention and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.

Common Forms of Distractions

Common distractions while driving include:

• Cell Phone Use: One of the most prevalent distractions is the use of cell phones, including talking on the phone, texting, browsing the internet, using social media, or taking selfies while driving.
• Texting: Texting is particularly dangerous as it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Writing, reading, or sending text messages diverts the driver's eyes from the road, hands from the steering wheel, and mind from the task of driving.
• Talking to Passengers: Engaging in conversations with passengers can divert a driver's attention from the road. This includes talking, listening, or interacting with passengers in the vehicle.
• Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving requires a driver to take their hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and mind off the task of driving. This can lead to loss of control and slower reaction times.
• Grooming: Activities such as applying makeup, shaving, combing hair, or adjusting clothing can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Using In-Car Technologies: Interacting with in-car technologies like GPS navigation systems, touchscreen displays, or adjusting music controls can distract drivers from focusing on the road.
• Daydreaming: Allowing the mind to wander or becoming lost in thought while driving can lead to a lack of awareness of road conditions, traffic signals, and potential hazards.
• External Distractions: Looking at billboards, reading advertisements, watching other accidents or incidents on the roadside, or being distracted by unusual events happening outside the vehicle can divert a driver's attention.

Alabama Distracted Driving Laws

Alabama's law prohibits texting while driving for all drivers. This means that drivers are not allowed to manually write, send, or read text-based communications, such as text messages, emails, or social media, while operating a motor vehicle.

However, it's worth noting that Alabama's law doesn't outright ban the use of handheld devices for other purposes, such as making phone calls. Nevertheless, the use of handheld devices for any purpose can still be considered a distraction and potentially contribute to accidents.

Violations of distracted driving laws can serve as crucial evidence in civil litigation. Evidence such as phone records, witness statements, and police reports can be used to establish that the at-fault driver was distracted at the time of the accident.

Distracted driving violations can also impact insurance claims. If a driver is found to have been distracted at the time of the accident, their insurance company may be more likely to accept liability and provide coverage for damages.

Proving Liability in Distracted Driving Cases in AL

Proving liability in a distracted driving accident case can be challenging, as it requires gathering evidence to demonstrate that the other driver was indeed distracted at the time of the accident. At Cunningham Bounds, we employ a comprehensive approach to investigate the accident thoroughly. We work with accident reconstruction experts, gather witness statements, review phone records, and examine any available surveillance footage to establish the other driver's negligence. Our meticulous attention to detail allows us to build a compelling case to hold the responsible party accountable.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a mobile distracted driving accident in Alabama, you must act quickly and seek legal representation. Contact Cunningham Bounds today to schedule a free consultation with our skilled attorneys.