Drivers have hectic lives, and it can be easy to get distracted. For many busy people, eating or drinking behind the wheel is normal. While devouring a quick breakfast on your way to work may not seem like a big deal, it can pose a danger. Eating or drinking while driving is a form of distracted driving and can lead to a serious motor vehicle accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019.
If you have been injured in an accident in which someone was eating and driving, call William Mattar today. Our distracted driving accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you need after your accident. Contact our offices at (844) 444 - 4444 today to speak to a team member who can walk you through your next steps.
Why Do People Eat and Drive?
If eating or drinking while driving is potentially risky, why do motorists do it? One answer may be that people are often in a hurry and don’t feel they have time to eat elsewhere. This type of multitasking may be more common for commuters, truck drivers traveling lengthy distances, or people on a long road trip.
Whatever the reason for eating and driving, consuming snacks, beverages, or even meals (such as fast food) behind the wheel can potentially increase the risk of a collision with another motorist, bicyclist, pedestrian, or even object. This can result in devastating, life-altering injuries.
The Risks of Eating and Drinking While Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eating while driving is an example of distracted driving, and there are three main types of distraction.
Visual distraction involves “taking your eyes off the road,” manual distraction involves “taking your hands off the wheel,” and cognitive distraction involves “taking your mind off the act of driving.” Attempting to eat a burger while driving, for instance, can potentially combine all three of these types of distraction, therefore increasing the risk of a motor vehicle crash.
Eating while driving may require you to physically remove your hands from the wheel, to grab or unwrap what you are trying to consume. At the same time, while trying to eat, you may be inattentive and fail to react to a road hazard or fail to brake behind a vehicle at a red light. The circumstances of every distracted driving case can vary, but the possible risks remain.
What to do if I’m Injured in an Eating and Driving Accident?
If you’ve been hit by a driver who was eating or drinking and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to damages. Seeking financial compensation for your injuries may require you to file a claim against the at-fault driver. This is why, if you’re injured after a collision, you should consider consulting with an accident attorney who can help you through the legal process.
The accident attorneys at William Mattar are experienced with distracted driving cases and can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Don’t delay in calling – our team is standing by 24/7 to get started on your claim.
Hurt in a Distracted Driving Accident? Call William Mattar.
If you have been injured in an accident with a distracted driver, don’t hesitate to contact William Mattar law offices. Our experienced car accident attorneys can investigate your case and help hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. Schedule a free and confidential initial consultation today using our online form or call our offices at (844) 444 - 4444.