Distracted Driving Lawyers in Oregon
Each year, thousands of people are injured in auto accidents caused by distracted or aggressive driving. These poor driving behaviors can cause serious injury and put lives at risk. At Johnson and Taylor, our vehicle accident lawyers are all too familiar with the devastating consequences of crashes caused by reckless motorists. If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident caused by distracted or aggressive driving, we can help you recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Distracted Driving Accidents Are on the Rise
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,522 people were killed in accidents involving distracted drivers in 2021. Although most people associate distracted driving with texting or talking on the phone, distracted driving includes any activity that diverts your attention from operating your vehicle. Three types of distractions may occur on the road: visual, manual, and cognitive. Taking your eyes off the road is a visual distraction. Manual distraction involves removing your hands from the steering wheel, and cognitive distraction involves taking your mind off driving.
Common causes of distracted driving include:
- Texting, talking on the phone, or using another device while driving
- Dealing with children and pets in the car
- Eating while driving
- Adjusting climate controls, stereo, or GPS
- Picking up something off the floor
- Conversations with passengers
- Putting on makeup while you’re behind the wheel
- Driver fatigue
Driving while holding or using an electronic device is prohibited by law in Oregon. It’s also important to practice caution when using a hands-free device, as this can lead to driver distraction as well. If you’ve been injured by a motorist who was driving negligently, our personal injury lawyers can help.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” Aggressive driving is a dangerous problem that exists on our roads, but it’s not road rage. Road rage is aggressive driving that has escalated into a criminal act.
Some examples of aggressive driving include:
- Erratic or reckless driving
- Speeding
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Tailgating
- Cutting off another driver and slowing down or brake-checking
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Improper passing
- Blocking cars that are attempting to pass
Proving an Aggressive or Distracted Driver Was at Fault
Our car accident lawyers know which evidence to collect and how to put it all together to prove fault in distracted and aggressive driving cases. These types of personal injury lawsuits are complex. Our team thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding the crash and may collect evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Phone records and data
- Vehicle data
- Video footage from traffic and surveillance cameras
- Witness statements and testimony
In some cases, obtaining information may require a subpoena, so it’s crucial to have an experienced team that knows how to track down and analyze this type of valuable evidence.
Holding Irresponsible Drivers Accountable
If you’re injured or have lost a loved one in a fatal crash caused by distracted or aggressive driving, our vehicle accident lawyers can help. We thoroughly evaluate your case, determine whether you have a viable personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim, and advise you of your options. Although nothing can change what happened, recovering monetary compensation can help give families a sense of justice and hold distracted and aggressive drivers accountable for their actions.
Why Choose Our Distracted Driving Lawyers?
Our caring team understands how stressful it can be when you’re injured and unable to work. We are staunch advocates for those who have suffered injuries and losses due to no fault of their own. Unlike bigger personal injury law firms that overpromise large settlements, we help you understand the realistic possibilities for making a financial recovery. We work to solve problems practically and fight for you while keeping you informed throughout the process. To find out if our vehicle accident lawyers are right for you, check out our online reviews and give us a call. Your initial consultation is always free, and you won’t pay attorney fees unless we help get you compensation.
Whether you’ve been hurt by a distracted or aggressive driver or a drunk driver, our personal injury lawyers pursue all possible sources of compensation and fight for your rights and interests.
Contact Our Vehicle Accident Lawyers in OR
If you’ve been injured in a crash that was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us online or call 503-990-6641 to schedule a consultation. Members of our responsive team are fluent in Spanish, and if your condition makes it difficult to travel to our office, we can meet with you at home. Johnson and Taylor litigates personal injury, divorce and family law and estate planning and probate cases. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Salem, Eugene, Bend, the Oregon Coast, Medford, and throughout the entire state of Oregon.