Drunk & Distracted Driving Accidents

All drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles with the proper care and attention, doing whatever they can to avoid crashes. When people engage in distractions or operate a vehicle while impaired, they risk the lives of everyone with whom they share the road.

The experienced personal injury lawyers at Wallace Law Firm, PLLC are passionate about helping people who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of drunk or distracted drivers. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath of one of these accidents, and we serve as strong advocates for you and your loved ones. To fully explore your legal options after a serious crash in North Carolina or South Carolina, turn to our dedicated team.

Common distracted driving issues

People today have more devices demanding their attention than ever before. However, that’s no excuse for distracted driving, which has become an increasingly prevalent focus of law enforcement agencies across the country. The following are some of the most common forms of distractions for motorists:

• Cell phones: These days, just about everyone has a cell phone with them constantly. These devices can be extremely distracting, especially when drivers use them to text, browse the web or talk on the phone while behind the wheel. Responding to the average text message takes about five seconds — enough time to travel 100 yards at 55 miles per hour.
• Food and drink: Eating and drinking behind the wheel are also dangerous activities, taking drivers’ attention off the road for seconds at a time. Motorists should take a few minutes to pull over if they need to grab something to eat while out on the road.
• Passengers: Other people inside a vehicle can cause serious distractions for a driver, as well. This is a particular problem for younger drivers traveling with friends, although people of all ages can be guilty of paying too much attention to their passengers instead of the road in front of them.

Engaging in distracted driving is a highly negligent activity that has the potential to cause serious car accidents in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

Dangers of impaired driving

According to statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, there are more than 400 drunk driving fatalities in North Carolina each year, while South Carolina sees about 300 fatalities annually. That’s in addition to tens of thousands of arrests for driving under the influence in both states.

Driving while impaired due to alcohol or drugs is incredibly dangerous, as intoxicated motorists have slowed reaction times and are less likely to notice hazards in the road compared to other drivers. It is the responsibility of all individuals to avoid getting behind the wheel if they have had too much to drink or have taken impairment-causing drugs — even if they are legal prescription medications.

Meet with a dedicated car accident attorney today

If you or someone close to you has been seriously injured in a drunk or distracted driving accident, work with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Wallace Law Firm, PLLC. We serve the legal needs of car accident victims in North Carolina and South Carolina.