The ability to remain alert and aware at all times is a key component to safely operating a motor vehicle. When drivers in West Virginia become distracted while out on the open road, the odds that motor vehicle accidents will occur increase exponentially. While there are a multitude of actions that might classify as driver-related distractions, these actions typically fall under at least one of three categories.
The first category pertains to visual distractions, which describes any action that forces drivers to take their eyes off the road. Examples of visual distractions include looking over to read directions on a navigation device or searching for an object in the passenger seat. Manual distractions refer to any action that forces drivers to take one or both hands off the wheel and such actions include eating and drinking or self grooming while operating a vehicle.
Actions that divert a person’s attention off the road may fall under the category of cognitive distractions. Even if such an action does not lead drivers to take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, if it takes their mind off the task at hand, the results could prove devastating. Studies indicate that there are certain actions that could fall under all three categories, such as reading or writing a text.
Motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers run the unfortunate risk of leaving those involved with severe injuries. Those who suffer harm at the hands of such negligence may wish to know more about their available options for legal recourse, and they could benefit from seeking guidance on these options from a personal injury attorney. An attorney can examine the incident and assist a client in West Virginia in pursuing the full amount of restitution deserved through a claim against the party deemed at fault.