The Dangers of Distracted Driving: Protecting Yourself and How VanDerGinst Law Can Help
Every day, distracted driving causes thousands of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or even fiddling with the GPS, distracted driving is a leading cause of preventable car accidents. At VanDerGinst Law, our experienced attorneys have helped numerous victims of these accidents recover compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable.
In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of distracted driving, how to stay safe, and how VanDerGinst Law can assist if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s inattention.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention away from the primary task of driving. It includes more than just texting. Distractions are generally grouped into three categories:
- Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road (e.g., looking at your phone or GPS).
- Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., eating or adjusting the radio).
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving (e.g., daydreaming or talking to passengers).
While all forms of distracted driving are dangerous, texting and driving is particularly hazardous because it involves all three types of distractions.
The Statistics Are Staggering
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,500 lives in 2021 alone. On average, about 1 in 5 of those killed weren’t even in vehicles — they were pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users. Additionally, thousands more are injured each year in distracted driving accidents.
Despite widespread public awareness campaigns, distracted driving remains a growing problem. Whether it’s texting while driving or simply paying more attention to in-car devices than the road, the consequences can be devastating.
How to Avoid Distractions and Stay Safe 
While you can’t control other drivers, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the dangers of distracted driving:
- Put the Phone Away
The simplest and most effective way to avoid distraction is to put your phone out of reach while driving. Many smartphones also have Do Not Disturb features that can be enabled while driving, blocking notifications and calls.
- Plan Ahead
Before you start driving, make sure to set up your GPS, choose your playlist, and address any other distractions. By planning ahead, you won’t need to fumble with devices while driving.
- Focus on Driving
Driving requires your full attention. Avoid eating, grooming, or engaging in any other activities that could take your focus off the road. If you need to attend to something, safely pull over.
- Speak Up
If you’re a passenger and the driver is distracted, don’t hesitate to speak up. Let them know that their focus should be on the road for everyone’s safety.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. If possible, collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements could be key in proving that the other driver was distracted.
- Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, seek medical care as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately but can have long-term effects. Medical documentation will also be critical for any future claims.
- Contact a Distracted Driving Attorney
Proving that a driver was distracted at the time of the accident can be challenging, especially without the right legal team on your side. At VanDerGinst Law, our skilled distracted driving lawyers have the experience and resources needed to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and hold the at-fault party accountable.
How VanDerGinst Law’s Distracted Driving Attorneys Can Help
At VanDerGinst Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that distracted driving accidents can have on victims and their families. Our dedicated attorneys will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, including:
- Medical expenses: Both immediate and ongoing medical costs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time off work due to injury or medical treatment.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
Our team will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursuing legal action. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
Distracted Driving Laws and Accountability
Many states have strict laws prohibiting texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving. In Illinois, for example, using a handheld device while driving is illegal, and drivers who violate this law can face fines or more severe penalties if they cause an accident.
At VanDerGinst Law, our distracted driving attorneys will investigate whether the at-fault driver violated any traffic laws and will use this information to build a strong case for compensation.
Contact VanDerGinst Law for Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact an experienced distracted driving lawyer, the stronger your case will be. At VanDerGinst Law, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options.
Let VanDerGinst Law’s distracted driving attorneys fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
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