Distracted Driving Accidents in Wichita, KS

Types of Distracted Driving

Anything that takes a driver’s full attention away from the task of safe driving can contribute to a distracted driving accident. Experts commonly sort driver distractions into one or more of the three following categories:

• Manual distractions– Anything that causes a driver to take one or both hands off the wheel is a manual distraction. Examples include eating or drinking, personal grooming, text messaging, and reaching for fallen objects.
• Visual distractions– Visual distractions require a driver to take their eyes off the road. Common examples include turning back to passengers, checking the GPS, and reading texts.
• Cognitive distractions– Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mind off the road. Common examples include talking to passengers, rubbernecking, and checking text messages.

The NHTSA refers to texting as “the most alarming distraction” because it combines all three types of distraction into a single activity. Research suggests it takes about five seconds to send or read the average text message. That time is long enough to cover the length of a football field while traveling at just 55 miles per hour.

Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

Distracted driving accidents commonly lead to injuries such as the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Facial injuries and dental trauma
• Scarring and permanent disfigurement
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
• Partial or total paralysis
• Dislocated or broken bones
• Traumatic amputation and loss of limb
• Bruises, burns, lacerations, and puncture wounds
• Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Other psychological and emotional injuries

Who Is Liable for a Distracted Driving Crash in Wichita, Kansas?

Suppose you were involved in a Wichita car accident with a distracted driver. In that case, you might assume that the other driver is automatically liable for any injuries or property damage you suffered. However, it isn’t always that simple — even if the other driver was ticketed for distracted driving.

To recover compensation from the other driver, you must show they behaved negligently, their negligent behavior caused the accident, and they are legally liable for your injuries. This requires compelling evidence, such as the following:

• The police crash report– These official reports contain valuable information, such as whether any tickets were issued for distracted driving violations.
• Photos of the accident scene– A picture could show no skid marks on the road, indicating the driver was not paying attention and never applied the brakes.
• Video footage of the crash– Footage from traffic cameras or dashcams can show what happened in the moments before, during, and after the crash.
• Eyewitness statements– Statements from third-party witnesses can act as reliable, unbiased confirmations of the facts of the case.
• Expert witness testimony– Experts such as accident reconstruction specialists can offer professional insights into the causes and effects of the wreck.