Distracted driving remains a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents in Virginia, leaving victims with potentially life-altering injuries and financial burdens. Despite efforts to reduce distractions behind the wheel, thousands of crashes yearly are attributed to drivers failing to focus on the road. In these situations, victims have the right to seek justice.
The skilled Petersburg car accident lawyers from Tronfeld West & Durrett can help you take decisive action. With over 50 years of experience, our firm is dedicated to securing fair compensation for those impacted by distracted driving. Whether through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, we work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard.
Experienced Petersburg Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys Committed to Your Recovery
The right legal representation can make all the difference when recovering from a distracted driving accident. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we combine experience, proven results, and client-focused strategies to deliver exceptional outcomes for every case. Here’s what we bring to the table:
- Decades of legal experience: With a history spanning over five decades, we’ve handled countless distracted driving cases, leveraging our knowledge to advocate effectively for our clients’ rights.
- Proven track record: Tronfeld West & Durrett has successfully secured substantial settlements and verdicts, holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring justice.
- Client-centered approach: We understand every case is unique, so we tailor our strategies to meet each client’s specific needs and maximize their compensation.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover compensation. During this meeting, a personal injury lawyer from our team can outline your next steps and estimate your claim’s potential compensation by drawing from similar case results we’ve achieved in the past.
For answers to your questions about a distracted driving in Petersburg, call:
804-862-1234
Understanding Virginia’s Distracted Driving Laws and Their Impact on Your Case
Under Virginia law, distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from operating a vehicle, such as texting, eating, or using in-car devices.
As per Virginia Code § 46.2-818.2, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers. Violations result in fines starting at $125 for a first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses.
Under the same statute, handheld device use is generally prohibited for all drivers, with exceptions for emergency vehicle operators and individuals using a handheld device to report an emergency. Penalties for violating these laws can also lead to increased insurance rates and a permanent impact on a driver’s record.
Common Causes and Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving takes many forms, all of which compromise safety on the road. In 2023 alone, Virginia reported 21,528 distracted driving-related crashes, a 4.1% increase from the prior year. The most common types of distractions causing these accidents include:
- Visual distractions: Looking away from the road to read a text message, check a GPS, or watch something outside the vehicle.
- Manual distractions: Removing hands from the wheel to eat, adjusting the radio, or handling objects in the car.
- Cognitive distractions: Losing mental focus due to daydreaming, stress, or engaging in intense conversations.
Our firm’s extensive experience enables us to identify and prove diverse instances of driver distraction. By thoroughly investigating crash reports, witness accounts, and other evidence, we build strong cases to demonstrate how negligence contributed to an accident.
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Do You Have a Valid Case? Proving Driver Distraction in Accident Cases
After a distracted driving accident, proving negligence involves establishing a driver was distracted at the time of the crash. To achieve this, our attorneys gather compelling evidence that supports your claim. This includes:
- Phone records: Subpoenaing records to confirm whether the driver was using their phone when the accident happened.
- Eyewitness testimonies: Statements from those who observed the driver’s behavior leading up to the accident.
- Surveillance footage: Analyzing traffic cameras or nearby security footage for visible signs of distraction.
- Vehicle data: We can also review onboard systems that log real-time driver activity, such as sudden braking or lane departures.
Assessing the Validity of Your Distracted Driving Accident Claim
To have a valid case, we need to demonstrate the driver’s distraction breached their duty of care and directly caused the accident. The strength of your claim depends on the following factors:
- Evidence of distraction: Proof that the driver was engaged in a distracting activity at the time of the crash.
- Injury severity: Detailed medical documentation showing the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
- Causation: Clear evidence linking the distracted driving behavior to the accident.
- Compliance with legal procedures: Filing within the statute of limitations and adhering to other legal protocols and requirements.
If you’re unsure if you have a valid case, reach out to us. Our attorneys provide personalized evaluations to help you determine the viability of your claim and offer tailored advice on pursuing compensation. Plus, we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case!
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Common Injuries Resulting from Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents can result in severe injuries, including:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal organ damage
After a distracted driving accident, make sure to get immediate medical attention. This is crucial to document your injuries as part of your claim.
Compensation Available to Distracted Driving Accident Victims
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity.
- Property damage: Costs related to vehicle repair or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Reflecting the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for reduced quality of life caused by long-term injuries.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we carefully assess the full impact of your accident to ensure your claim reflects both immediate and long-term losses. Our team considers the lasting effects on your health, finances, and overall well-being, striving to secure fair compensation to help you move forward with the financial support you need.
Contact Our Petersburg Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
Distracted drivers must be held accountable, and we’re here to make sure they are. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our attorneys take on distracted driving cases in Petersburg with a commitment to securing maximum compensation. We offer:
- Free consultations: We offer no-obligation case evaluations to discuss your legal options.
- No fee unless you win: You don’t pay legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
- Personalized legal strategies: We tailor our approach to meet the unique challenges of your case.
Time matters after an accident. Don’t wait to protect your rights—our legal team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us start building a strong claim on your behalf.
Call or text 804-862-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form