Cognitive Car Accident Distraction Lawyer in D.C.

Cognitive distractions are any activity demanding mental attention that diverts a driver’s focus from controlling the vehicle and responding to changing conditions. Cognitive distractions are dangerous because they necessitate multitasking. According to the National Safety Council, the brain is incapable of simultaneously handling multiple cognitively demanding tasks, despite common assumptions that it can. To multitask, the brain must rapidly switch between tasks, resulting in delayed responses and lower performance of each task.

The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department reports that all distracted driving, including cognitive distraction, is a significant factor in traffic incidents. Although the exact number of accidents caused by cognitive distraction is unknown, approximately 23 percent of severe car accidents and 30 percent of all fatalities are caused by distracted driving.

Cell phone use is a top contributor to all types of distracted driving. In Washington, D.C., it is illegal for adults to use a handheld cell phone while driving. Only hands-free phone use, such as phone calls and voice texting, is permitted. However, even hands-free technology can still create dangerously high levels of mental distraction. Drivers under 21 are prohibited from cell phone use while behind the wheel.

What Are the Effects of Cognitive Distractions?

Cognitive distractions are often assumed as less serious than manual or visual distractions, but the negative effects last longer than you might think. According to a recent study, cognitive distractions can last up to 30 seconds, a sufficient enough time to travel nearly 1,100 feet at 25 miles per hour. Cognitively distracted drivers exhibit the following:

Slower reaction times: One study revealed that cognitively distracted drivers had slower reaction times than drunk drivers.
Situational awareness: Researchers found that cognitively distracted drivers failed to notice nearly half of their immediate surroundings, including traffic signals, stop signs, and other vehicles.
Reduced brain activity: Cognitively distracted drivers experience reduced activity in the parts of the brain typically active when driving, such as processing visual and spatial information and navigation.
Poor judgment: Cognitive can lead to poor decision-making, such as realizing their exit at the last second and darting through traffic lanes.

Cognitive distractions dangerously distract your brain from what you are doing. Even one second of delayed reaction time can result in a serious collision.

Where Do Most Cognitive Distractions Occur in Washington, D.C?

In Washington, D.C., most accidents caused by cognitive distracted driving occur in areas of high traffic and significant pedestrian activity, such as:

Downtown: The central business district due to traffic congestion, numerous intersections, and a high volume of pedestrians, particularly near Pennsylvania Avenue, K Street, and Constitution Avenue.
Capitol Hill: Areas surrounding the U.S. Capitol experience a higher number of distracted driving accidents due to higher rates of tourist traffic.
Residential neighborhoods: Areas such as Georgetown, Columbia Heights, and Adams Morgan often see higher rates of distracted driving accidents, particularly where residential streets intersect with commercial.
Intersections and major arteries: The complexities of major intersections linking New York Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, and Massachusetts Avenue experience high traffic and many accidents.
School zones: Zones around schools and universities have higher rates of distracted driving incidents during peak commuting hours, particularly near George Washington University and Howard University.

These areas are characterized by complex driving conditions where distractions can easily lead to accidents.

What Are Examples of Common Cognitive Distractions?

Thoughts, emotions, feelings, conversation, entertainment, or mental diversion can be powerful enough cognitive distractions to divert attention and cause a serious accident. Common cognitive distractions include:

Using a cell phone
Talking with passengers or having a heated argument
Eating and drinking
Adjusting the radio
Daydreaming
Reading
Preoccupation with work or errands
Strong emotions, such as anger or sadness
Road rage
Multitasking
Listening to an audiobook or podcast
Children or pets in the car

What Types of Injuries Occur in Cognitive Distracted Driving Accidents?

Injuries are often more severe in distracted driving accidents because drivers who are not paying attention fail to stop or yield, drive through intersections, and crash into others at higher impact. Common injuries include crushed limbs, burns, back injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, paralysis, nerve and organ damage, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, and more.

How Can I Avoid a Cognitive Distracted Driving Accident?

Avoiding cognitively distracted driving is key to maintaining safety, and staying alert reduces cognitively distracted driving and the risk of accidents. Tips to avoid cognitive distracted driving include:

Silence your cell phone and store it out of reach, such as in the backseat. Even hands-free use can create cognitive distractions.
Preset the radio, audiobook, or podcast you can listen to during your whole drive before leaving, as well as your GPS directions.
Limit conversations with passengers and avoid heated or intense arguments and discussions.
Avoid multitasking activities such as eating, grooming, or phone use.
Reduce stress, anger, or anxiety before driving.
Take regular breaks on long trips, especially if you daydream or mind wander.
Avoid or limit the use of onboard technology.

Remember that driving requires your full attention, so commit to implementing safe driving techniques to avoid any type of distraction while behind the wheel.

What Should I Do After a Cognitive Distracted Driving Accident in Washington, D.C.?

Immediately following an accident is crucial to gathering evidence for your claim. If you are physically able, you should report the accident to the police, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, limit conversation that can be used against you later, photograph everything at the scene, gather witnesses’ contact information and statements, seek medical attention even if you believe your injuries are minor, keep all accident-related documents, and consult an experienced Washington, D.C. cognitive distracted driving accident lawyer.

How Can a Cognitive Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Cognitive distracted driving causes impairments that significantly increase the risk of an accident, putting all on the road in danger. At the Law Offices of Duane O. King, our skilled legal team holds negligent drivers accountable for seeking the justice and compensation they deserve for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our experienced cognitive distracted driving accident lawyers will investigate the crash and scene, review police reports, collaborate with your medical team, interview witnesses, consult experts, establish the value of your claim, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

The Washington, D.C. Cognitive Car Accident Distraction Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Injured Clients Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable

If a mentally preoccupied driver has injured you or a loved one, call the seasoned Washington, D.C. cognitive car accident distraction lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King at 202-931-6252 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.