What to Do If You’re Hit by a Distracted Driver in Memphis, Tennessee

Distracted driving accidents are an increasing problem across the country, and Memphis is no exception. Drivers who take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds put everyone around them at risk. If a distracted driver hits you, knowing what to do next can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing compensation for your injuries. Here’s what you need to know about distracted driving accidents and how to take action if a distracted driver hits you.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. It can be visual, manual, or cognitive – in other words, the driver is looking away, taking their hands off the wheel, or mentally focused on something other than driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,300 lives in a single recent year, highlighting the dangers of inattentive driving.

Causes of Distracted Driving

Some of the most common causes of distracted driving include:

• Texting and Using a Phone – This triple-threat distraction (visual, manual, cognitive) is one of the most dangerous, with even a quick glance at a notification increasing crash risk.
• Adjusting Controls – Changing the radio, GPS, or climate settings diverts focus and delays reactions.
• Eating or Drinking – One-handed driving reduces control, and spills can lead to sudden swerving or braking.
• Talking to Passengers – Conversations, especially with children or pets in the car, can divert attention from the road.
• Daydreaming – Mental distractions are just as risky, causing drivers to miss signals and changing traffic conditions.

Even seemingly minor distractions can have devastating consequences, turning an ordinary drive into a life-altering event in a matter of seconds.

How Distractions Cause Crashes

Distractions delay reaction times, making it harder for drivers to stop or swerve to avoid collisions. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds – long enough to cover the length of a football field at highway speeds. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in severe crashes.

Statistics on Distracted Driving Accidents

The impact of distracted driving is staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 424,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in a recent year. In these accidents, teens and young adults are the most at-risk age group for engaging in distracted driving behaviors. Additionally, studies show that people who use a phone while driving quadruple their risk of being involved in a collision.

Legal Implications of Distracted Driving

Tennessee has strict laws against distracted driving, particularly regarding phone use behind the wheel. The Hands-Free Law, enacted in 2019, prohibits drivers from holding or physically supporting a phone while driving. Violators face fines, license points, and potential civil liability if they cause an accident.

Distracted Driver Liability

When a driver’s inattention causes a crash, they can be liable for damages. Evidence such as phone records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements can prove that a driver was distracted during the accident. In Tennessee, accident victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if they can establish the other driver’s negligence.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Crash

If you get hurt in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Steps to strengthen your case include:

• Calling the Police – A police report can document signs of distraction and list any citations issued to the at-fault driver.
• Gathering Evidence – Take pictures of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Witness statements can also help corroborate that the driver was distracted.
• Seeking Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor helps create medical documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
• Consulting an Attorney – An experienced car accident lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Our team offers legal support for those injured in distracted driving crashes.

Types of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted drivers are more likely to cause the following types of crashes:

• Rear-End Collisions – A common result of drivers not noticing slowed or stopped traffic ahead
• Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents – Often occur at intersections when distracted drivers run red lights or stop signs
• Head-On Collisions – Potentially catastrophic, especially when drivers drift into oncoming lanes
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents – Distracted drivers may fail to notice people crossing the road or sharing the street
• Single-Vehicle Crashes – A driver who is distracted may swerve off the road, hitting barriers, trees, or other objects

No matter the type of crash, distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk, often leading to severe injuries and tragic outcomes that were avoidable if the other driver had paid full attention behind the wheel.

Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving

Victims of distracted driving crashes often suffer from the following:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Caused by sudden impact, often in rear-end collisions
• Broken Bones – Common in high-speed accidents
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – A serious consequence of head trauma during a crash
• Spinal Cord Damage – Can lead to long-term disability and chronic pain
• Internal Organ Injuries – May require emergency surgery
• Severe Lacerations and Burns – Often result from airbag deployment, shattered glass, or fire

Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. A personal injury claim can help cover these expenses and more.

Preventing Distractions While Driving

While legal action is essential after a crash, preventing accidents in the first place is just as crucial. Drivers can reduce distractions by:

• Putting phones away or using hands-free options
• Setting GPS and music before starting the car
• Avoiding eating while driving
• Pulling over if they need to focus on something else
• Educating young drivers about the dangers of distraction
• Installing safety apps that block notifications while driving

Public awareness and responsible driving can significantly reduce the number of distracted driving accidents in Memphis.

Get Legal Help After a Distracted Driving Accident

If you’ve suffered injuries in a distracted driving accident someone else caused, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The Memphis car accident lawyers at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us today or call (901) 526-2126 to learn more about your rights and options in a free initial consultation.