Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in Washington, DC. Whether it’s texting behind the wheel, adjusting a GPS, eating, or any action that takes a driver’s attention off the road, even a few seconds of inattention can cause a life-changing accident. Victims of distracted driving crashes often face painful injuries and significant medical bills.
When another driver’s negligence causes you harm, you shouldn’t have to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath alone. A Washington, DC distracted driving accident lawyer can investigate your case and work to hold the at-fault driver accountable. Contact our proven Washington D.C. personal injury lawyers so we can get your free consultation scheduled.
Reasons To Work With Lightfoot Law PLLC Personal Injury Attorneys For Your Distracted Driving Accident
Choosing the right law firm after a distracted driving accident can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. At Lightfoot Law PLLC, we combine recognized legal skill with a client-focused approach, ensuring you receive top-quality representation and the personal support you need during a difficult time.
- Proven Recognition: Selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 for excellence in trial advocacy and results.
- Highly Rated: Named among the Best Law Firms in 2024, reflecting our dedication to quality legal service and client satisfaction.
- No Win, No Fee: You only pay if we secure compensation for you, giving you access to skilled legal help without upfront costs.
Working with us means you’re working with a team who cares about your case as much as you do.
Steps a Legal Professional Can Take to Help You With a Distracted Driving Accident Case
After a distracted driving accident, it’s not always easy to prove the other driver’s inattention caused the crash. A skilled auto accident attorney can take the following steps to help you prove your case:
- Investigate the Crash: Your lawyer will look at police reports, visit the accident scene, and talk to witnesses to see if they can get information about how the accident occurred.
- Get Evidence of Distraction: They’ll request phone records, obtain traffic or surveillance video, and look for social media posts or other proof the driver wasn’t focused on the road.
- Calculate Your Damages: An attorney can calculate all of your damages to make sure you get everything you deserve, like medical expenses, lost future earnings, property damage, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies: They’ll handle all communications with insurance companies. The goal is to fight for a settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries so you can focus on your recovery and not fight against companies that are trying to limit your payout.
Having a truck accident lawyer in D.C. handle these steps allows you to focus on recovery while your case moves forward.
Distracted Driving Accident Laws in Washington, DC
In Washington, DC, distracted driving laws focus on limiting the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving. Under the law, drivers may not hold or use a phone or operate any other handheld electronic device while a vehicle is in motion, unless the phone is connected to a hands-free accessory. There are specific exceptions. Drivers are allowed to:
- Make an emergency call to 911, 311, a hospital, ambulance, fire department, police department, or first aid service.
- Use a phone if they are law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, or operating an authorized emergency vehicle in the line of duty.
- Briefly touch the phone for the sole purpose of starting or ending a call, or turning the device on or off.
The law also prohibits drivers from wearing headphones that cover both ears, or earbuds in both ears, unless they are being used to assist a hearing-impaired driver.
- 50–1731.04. Restricted use of mobile telephone and other electronic devices.
(a) No person shall use a mobile telephone or other electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle in the District of Columbia unless the telephone or device is equipped with a hands-free accessory.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Emergency use of a mobile telephone, including calls to 911 or 311, a hospital, an ambulance service provider, a fire department, a law enforcement agency, or a first-aid squad;
(2) Use of a mobile telephone by law enforcement and emergency personnel or by a driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, acting within the scope of official duties; or
(3) Initiating or terminating a telephone call, or turning the telephone on or off.
(c) No person shall use headphones that cover both ears or earbuds in both ears while operating a motor vehicle in the District, except if the headphones or earbuds are being used to assist a hearing-impaired driver.
While these rules center heavily on phone use, distracted driving can come from many other behaviors. Even if the at-fault driver wasn’t using a phone at the time, you may still have a valid distracted driving accident claim if their attention was elsewhere when the crash happened.
Contact Lightfoot Law PLLC Personal Injury Attorneys To Speak With One of Our Washington DC Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured because another driver was distracted, taking quick action can help you protect your rights. In these cases, you have to prove how someone else’s behavior caused the accident and the injuries you’re facing.
An experienced Washington, DC distracted driving accident lawyer can handle every part of your case so you can focus on recovering. Let us help you today. Reach out to Lightfoot Law PLLC personal injury attorneys as soon as you’re ready.