Distracted driving accidents can happen in a split second. In some cases, an oncoming driver inexplicably crosses the centerline. This leads to a sudden head-on collision, potentially at high speeds, which can result in serious injuries.
There are a multitude of specific distractions that can cause this type of mistake, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes three main categories.
Manual distractions
First of all, a driver can be physically distracted, such as if they are trying to pick something up off of the floor. Perhaps they dropped their cellphone, and they are reaching for it between the seats when they inadvertently pull the wheel and cross into the oncoming lanes.
Visual distractions
A driver who is looking away from the road is experiencing a visual distraction. For instance, there could be a slight curve in the road, but a parent who has turned to talk to a child in the back seat does not realize that they have entered the curve. They continue straight and cross into the oncoming lanes.
Cognitive distractions
Finally, there are mental distractions, such as daydreaming or getting lost in thought. When someone is not fully engaged with the task of driving the vehicle, they can make a serious mistake before they even realize they have done anything wrong. Cognitive distractions often happen without warning, and the driver is not aware that they are occurring at the time.
If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, be sure you know how to seek appropriate financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.