Washington, D.C. Attorney for Hands-Free Distracted Driving Accidents

In Washington, D.C., the dangers of manual distracted driving remain a serious concern, even with hands-free laws in place. Manual distracted driving refers to any action requiring a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel, such as checking an incoming text or searching for directions on the navigation system.

While hands-free devices were introduced to reduce distractions, they do not eliminate the risk of accidents caused by drivers who lose focus on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hands-free distracted driving accident, the Law Offices of Duane O. King is here to help. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable.

Car Accident Statistics in D.C. From Manual Distractions

In Washington, D.C., approximately 20 percent of all traffic accidents are caused by forms of distracted driving. It can be challenging to determine which type of distracted driving caused an accident, but the majority involve drivers whose hands are off of the steering wheel to perform some other activity.

Using a cell phone or any other electronic hand-held device within the city is illegal. Drivers over the age of 21 are required to use hands-free devices when behind the wheel. Cell phone use is considered a primary offense under the law, meaning police can pull over drivers expressly for using cell phones and other equipment without citing another offense.

What Are Common Manual Distractions?

Manual distractions include any activity requiring a driver to let go of the steering wheel. Some of the most common types of manual distractions include:

Cell phone use
Adjusting radio and temperature controls or interacting with vehicle touchscreens
Eating and drinking
Reaching for items
Searching through purses, bags, or wallets
Grooming, such as brushing hair, applying makeup, or shaving.
Using GPS or navigation systems
Turning around to talk or argue with passengers
Handling or playing with a pet

Consequences of Distracted Drivers and How They Affect Victims

Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior that can have severe consequences, both for the driver and others on the road. When a driver’s attention is diverted from driving, even for a few seconds, it significantly increases the risk of an accident. The victims of these accidents often suffer devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Beyond the immediate impact, victims may face ongoing challenges, such as chronic pain or disability, which can affect their quality of life. The ripple effects of a distracted driver’s actions extend far beyond the crash itself, impacting families, communities, and the broader healthcare system.

Where Do Most Manual Distracted Driving Accidents Occur in Washington, D.C.?

Manual distracted driving accidents occur in areas of Washington, D.C. with the most traffic congestion, busy intersections, and popular tourist attractions, such as:

Downtown areas, especially near popular and high-traffic areas like the National Mall, Capitol Hill, or Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House.
Highway intersections and exit ramps and the Capital Beltway.
Residential neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and Adams Morgan.
School zones, including college and university areas around George Washington University, Georgetown University, or Howard University.
Busy street intersections, particularly along H Street, U Street, and New York Avenue, with dense traffic and higher pedestrian traffic.

What Are Common Types of Manual Distracted Driving Accidents?

Any driving behavior that takes a driver’s hands off the steering wheel can quickly lead to devastating accidents with catastrophic injuries. Common accidents caused by manual distracted driving include:

Head-on collisions: Distracted drivers who run through intersections or fail to notice oncoming traffic can cause deadly head-on collisions.
Multi-car collisions: Distracted driving can easily trigger a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles and devastating injuries, particularly in congested city traffic.
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents: Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are more common due to distracted driving.
Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions are among the most common because distracted drivers are too occupied to notice a slower or stopped vehicle in front of them.
T-bone collisions: Distracted drivers commonly cause T-bone accidents in intersections by failing to stop or running through lights.
Sideswipe accidents: Rates of sideswipe accidents are higher due to distracted driving, which causes drivers to lane drift or crash into fixed obstacles they failed to notice.

Injuries are usually more severe in accidents caused by distracted driving when drivers fail to yield or stop and crash into others at top speed. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal cord injuries, organ damage, whiplash, paralysis, crushed limbs and bones, and death.

How Can I Avoid a Distracted Driver?

Determining whether another driver is manually distracted can be challenging unless you see them clearly. However, there are tell-tale signs that may indicate distractedness and proactive measures you can take to avoid them, such as:

Stay alert and scan others around you for signs of drivers using cell phones or looking down frequently, erratic driving behaviors, lane drifting, sudden braking, or inconsistent speeds.
Increase your distance from vehicles in front of you in case the driver makes a sudden or unexpected move.
Stay out of others’ blind spots, particularly commercial trucks.
Move away from drivers you believe may be distracted who are driving at erratic speeds or lane drifting.
Signal your intentions well in advance to provide more time for potentially distracted drivers to notice.
Use defensive driving practices and be prepared to react accordingly.
Call the police if you see a distracted driver whose driving behavior is posing a danger to others.
Use your vehicle’s safety features, such as collision avoidance systems that alert you when vehicles are too close.
Avoid driving during high-risk periods when drivers may be more distracted, such as rush hours or late at night.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can minimize the risks of manually distracted drivers and enhance your safety on the road.

Legal Advice for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving causes more severe injuries and property damage, increasing the extent and cost of compensation and complex and challenging cases. Studies show that accident victims who hire legal representation receive up to 45 percent more compensation than those who represent themselves. After an accident, you should focus on your recovery, not handling your claim. When you work with our experienced Washington, D.C. manual distracted driving accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King, our team can:

Investigate the scene of the accident and review police reports.
Establish your current and ongoing healthcare needs due to your injuries.
Interview witnesses.
Establish and calculate the value of your claim.
Hire experts, if necessary.
Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel.
Represent you in court should your case go to trial.

The Washington, D.C. Manual Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable

Manual distractions are the most common form of distracted driving. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, go to the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our skilled Washington, D.C. distracted driving accident lawyers hold negligent drivers accountable for the injuries and pain they cause. Call (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 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.