Pennsylvania readers know that distracted driving is a problem in the state and throughout the country. Most drivers are aware of the dangers of driving while looking at their phones or engaging in distracted behaviors, and yet inattentiveness continues to be one of the most common causes of car accidents. It is one of the most pressing safety concerns threatening the well-being of all motorists.
You know that distracted driving comes with a price. Not only does it significantly increase the chance of an accident, it can also come with higher insurance rates as well. When a driver causes a collision due to distracted driving, he or she will likely see higher insurance rates. Over the last decade, distraction-related insurance penalties are up by over 10,000%.
A serious safety concern
Not only are there more distracted driving safety penalties, the cost of these penalties is higher than ever. Estimates suggest premium rates rose from around $3 to $290 after a driver gets a distracted-driving conviction. The rapid and sharp increase in these numbers is due in large part to the fact that this remains a significant safety concern and one of the leading causes of accidents.
These numbers are high, but insurance companies are not overstating the danger of distracted driving. Across the country, around nine people die in distraction-related accidents every day. Statistics indicate that distraction is a more significant threat than other types of dangerous driving, and insurance rates reflect that.
Phone addicts and your well-being
Despite expensive insurance rates, the higher chance of an accident and other legal consequences, phone addicts still have a hard time getting their eyes off their devices and on the road. Studies indicate this group, the phone addicts, is more likely to cause collisions. Behind that group are aggressive drivers and speeding drivers.
Any person who is negligent behind the wheel for any reason is a threat to your safety and well-being. Regardless of why your accident happened, you have the right to take action and work to hold liable parties accountable.
Fighting for the recovery you deserve
If you are the victim of an accident caused by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek fair compensation through a personal injury claim. You may want to start with an assessment of your case to understand the legal options available to you. Through specific legal steps, you can fight for what you need to get better and move forward.
