Such an accident happens when a driver’s focus shifts away from the road. Such accidents can take place in bike lanes when they veer into them. They also often occur on quiet streets, where drivers think it’s safe to take their eyes off the road.
Here are some statistics from 2022 about these accidents in the United States:
- The cost of distracted driving was 3,308 lives lost.
- Of all fatal crashes, 5% of drivers were distracted.
- The average driver spends one minute, or 38 seconds per hour, focused on their phone instead of the road.
Regulations about using phones while driving change from state to state. The number of states bans all handheld phone usage, while others just restrict it in certain locations, such as school crossing areas, or by the driver’s age. Since these laws vary so much, you need a lawyer who knows your state’s exact rules to build a strong case.