Many people know that talking on a cellphone or texting is an unsafe driving practice. They may not believe they are guilty of distracted driving because they do not use their cellphone while driving.
But what about the distractions caused by passengers in the at-fault motorist’s vehicle? Passengers can be a significant source of distraction, leading to accidents on Norfolk and Virginia Beach's highways and roads. If you believe passenger distractions played a role in your auto crash, it is crucial to contact an experienced Norfolk car accident lawyer at Tavss Fletcher, who can determine if this caused your collision and help you pursue your claim for compensation for your injuries.
How Passengers Cause Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a major concern on Virginia's roads, and passengers can play a significant role in causing auto collisions. Here are ways passengers can contribute to distracted driving wrecks.
Noise Disturbances
Passengers can create noise disturbances in various ways, diverting the driver's attention from the road. These disturbances may include loud conversations, music, arguments, fighting, or playing games inside the vehicle. The noise can make it challenging for the driver to focus on their driving, increasing the risk of an auto accident.
In a car crash case, if you can establish that the noise from your passengers contributed to the collision, you may be eligible for compensation from the negligent motorist's insurance company. A skilled car accident attorney can help you collect the evidence you need to build a strong case.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver's mind is diverted from their driving. Passengers can engage in conversations that require the motorist to think deeply or become emotionally upset, drawing their attention away from the road. Even seemingly harmless discussions can lead to cognitive distractions.
Proving cognitive distractions caused by passengers can be challenging, but a knowledgeable lawyer can help you demonstrate that your auto wreck resulted from this type of distraction. For example, they can collect witness statements or take passengers’ depositions to establish a connection between conversations and the crash.
Physical Distractions
Physical distractions involve any activity that takes a driver's hands off the steering wheel or eyes off the road. Passengers can inadvertently cause physical distractions by asking the driver to give them items in the car or adjust the radio or climate controls. They can also cause distractions if they hand food, drinks, or other things to the driver. Caring for babies or young children can be a dangerous distraction that takes a motorist's focus off their driving.
When physical distractions lead to an accident, it is crucial to document the circumstances and gather evidence. You may need to retain an accident reconstruction expert to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash to demonstrate how passenger actions contributed to the accident.