Injured in Car Accident by Distracted Driver Applying Makeup

Drivers in Washington, DC, engage in distracted driving for many reasons: sending a text, grabbing a bite to eat, or talking with their passengers. Because makeup can take an extensive amount of dedicated focus to apply correctly, we do not often associate makeup application with distracted driving.

But it happens, and more often than we think. And if you suffered an injury in an accident because a driver focused more on their contouring details than on your safety, the personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help.

How Does Applying Makeup Contribute to Accidents?

When drivers focus on their reflection in the mirror to apply makeup instead of keeping their eyes on the road, they divide their attention and make it difficult to react quickly to unexpected dangers. To make matters worse, makeup application involves manual, visual, and cognitive resources: in other words, they are using their hands, eyes, and brain for a task other than keeping themselves and others safe on the road.

In a city like Washington, D.C., with the second-worst traffic in the U.S. as of 2024, traffic conditions can change in an instant; even a brief moment of inattentiveness can cause rear-end collisions, sideswipes, or even deadlier accidents.

What Are Your Legal Options After an Accident?

If a driver injured you or damaged your property because of a makeup-related distraction, you have the right to seek compensation via an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. After your accident, gather evidence that clearly shows the other driver’s distraction, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and even the at-fault driver’s own admission of fault.

Car accident victims in Washington, D.C. can expect compensation to cover their economic damages, including medical expenses and lost wages, as well as noneconomic damages like pain and suffering and potential emotional trauma.

Do You Need a Lawyer for an Accident Caused by Applying Makeup?

Sometimes, the available evidence clearly points toward one liable party, and no one can deny you your right to pursue compensation.

But more often, the insurance companies and other involved parties will try to deflect some of the liability for the makeup-related accident onto you. This is especially problematic in Washington, DC, where the strict contributory negligence law states that you cannot collect compensation if you were even 1 percent at fault for the incident. An experienced and competent attorney will help you prove the other party’s full responsibility for the situation, collect all the relevant evidence for you, advocate on your behalf in court, and give you peace of mind.

What Steps Should You Take After the Accident?

If a car hits you for any reason while on the streets of Washington, D.C., take the following steps to protect your rights:

• First, call 911 to seek immediate medical attention and report the accident to the police, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only can medical personnel detect any injuries you cannot see, like concussions, but the resulting medical report will also furnish any future legal claims you might choose to pursue.
• Next, if possible, gather evidence from the accident scene: take photographs of the collision, car damage, and all visible injuries; collect contact information from any eyewitnesses; document your memories and experiences in a notepad or via a voice memo on your phone; and attempt to obtain a copy of the police report when authorities arrive on the scene.

How Our Law Firm Supports Accident Victims?

Washington, D.C., traffic poses enough danger to pedestrians: you should not have to worry about getting struck by a driver who is busy doing their makeup. But when you are a victim of road negligence, let our distracted driving accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King take care of you. Our compassionate and experienced legal team has helped numerous car accident victims pursue the compensation they need to cover their accidents and pay them back for their distress.

The Washington, D.C. Distracted Driving Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Will Help

If you need help after a distracted driving accident, call us at 202-931-6252 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. The Washington, D.C. distracted driving lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King will protect your rights. Our Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, offices serve clients in 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.