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With the popularity of smartphones, in-car navigation systems, and other distractions, the roads are becoming increasingly dangerous. It may seem like drivers’ attention is everywhere but the road.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you deserve compensation for your injuries, damages, and the impact on your life.
At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we know the effects that these accidents can have on you and your family. Let our experienced Gulfport distracted driving lawyer fight for your entitled compensation.
What Is Distracted Driving?
When a driver’s attention is diverted from the road due to an activity or object inside or outside the vehicle, that is distracted driving. While it might seem like a split second, accidents can occur in that time.
This behavior is more than texting and driving. Distractions can take many forms, such as:
- Visual distractions take your eyes off the road. Some of these examples include looking at a GPS, reading a text message, or checking on passengers in the back seat.
- Manual distractions remove your hands from the wheel. Eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an item in the car are some of these actions.
- Cognitive distractions take your mind off driving. Daydreaming, talking to passengers, or being lost in thought are considered these types of distractions.
Some activities, such as texting while driving, combine all three forms of distraction, making them extremely dangerous.
The Impact of Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a leading factor in motor vehicle accidents. In 2022, distracted driving claimed over 3,308 lives in the United States. Along with that, these incidents have injured 289,310 individuals.
Common causes of distracted driving accidents include:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting in-car controls
- Talking to passengers
- Personal grooming
- Scrolling through social media
When a driver is distracted, they fail to notice stop signs, traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles. Often, this can lead to rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, and even fatal crashes.
Car Crashes Lead to Serious Injuries
Any type of car collision can cause serious injury. However, when drivers are distracted, they may not see others on the road. That means the full force of the vehicle can crash into other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
As a result, these accidents can lead to severe injuries, which may include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Paralysis
- Chronic back pain
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations
Many times, these injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. That can lead to substantial medical bills, time off from work, and other expenses. A Gulfport distracted driving accident lawyer can help you determine your next steps with the case.

Speak With a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Get Compensation for Your Injuries
If you’ve been injured in these accidents, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover the crash’s financial, physical, and emotional toll. This can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Some accidents can result in the death of a loved one. In these instances, the surviving family members can pursue benefits that are entitled under the law.
Mississippi Laws on Distracted Driving
Under the state’s “Texting While Driving Law,” drivers are prohibited from writing, sending, or reading text messages, emails, or social media posts while driving.
Violations of this law can result in fines, which can increase for repeat offenders. However, unlike some other states, Mississippi does not have a comprehensive hands-free law. Drivers are still allowed to use their phones for calls without requiring hands-free devices.
Additionally, Mississippi’s distracted driving laws do not impose restrictions on other distracting activities, such as eating, grooming, or adjusting in-car controls.
If a driver causes an accident while distracted, they may be held liable for negligence for the accident. The legal team at Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, will be happy to discuss the details of your specific situation.
How Your Lawyer Proves Distracted Driving
In these cases, your attorney will need to show that the driver was distracted at the time of the incident. Sometimes, the other driver may try to deny it.
However, with a full investigation, your legal team can discover the facts of the case. Some of the ways that a lawyer can establish the other driver’s negligence include:
- Cell phone records: Subpoenaing phone records can show calls, texts, or app usage during the time of the crash.
- Witness testimony: Eyewitnesses can confirm that the driver was texting, eating, or distracted.
- Accident reconstruction: Working with these experts, your team can analyze the crash and demonstrate how distraction caused the collision.
- Driver admissions: Police reports or statements can show whether the at-fault driver admitted to being distracted.
- Surveillance footage: Traffic, store security, or dash cameras may capture the driver’s actions leading up to the crash.
With this evidence, your lawyer can prove that the other driver breached their duty of care and caused your injuries. Under that situation, you have the right to take legal action to recover your damages.
What to Do If You Have Been Involved in a Distracted Driving Crash?
After a crash, it can be difficult to know what to do. You might be in pain or feel a rush of adrenaline. However, you need to stay calm and take a few steps to protect your welfare and rights.
- Get medical attention: Above all else, protect your health. Even if there are no visible injuries, make sure to get checked out by the paramedics on the scene or schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
- Call law enforcement: You will want to file a report to document the accident and gather all the necessary details.
- Collect evidence: If it’s safe, you will want to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Get contact information: Also, you may want to exchange details with the other driver and collect the names and numbers of witnesses.
- Never apologize: Sometimes, you may feel sorry about what happened. However, that can be seen as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts of the incident.
- Don’t talk to the insurance adjusters: The insurance company may want to quickly offer you a low-ball offer. Never accept their terms without talking to an attorney.
- Contact a Gulfport distracted driving accident lawyer: The sooner you hire an attorney, the better they can protect your interests.
A Gulfport Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Is Here to Help
Distracted driving accidents can upend your life in an instant. Many times, it can leave you with physical injuries, financial burdens, and emotional scars. Our Gulfport distracted driving accident lawyer is ready to assist with your claim.
We will look at the facts of the case and give a few options for you to seek compensation from the responsible parties.
At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we know that distracted driving is inexcusable. We can hold these dangerous drivers accountable for their actions. Contact our legal team today.
