Distracted driving encompasses much more than just texting or taking your eyes off the road. Driver distractions also include in-person and phone conversations between drivers and other parties, including intense emotional arguments.
When motorists cause crashes because they were arguing while driving, the results can include severe injuries to themselves, their passengers, and occupants of other vehicles. As in cases involving texting while driving, emotionally distracted drivers may also bear legal responsibility for the harm they cause, even if their distraction was not physical in nature.
Can I Sue Someone for Causing an Accident While Arguing?
All Alabama drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. That includes staying focused on the road and avoiding behaviors that can increase the risk of a crash.
Arguing while driving can interfere with a person’s ability to pay attention, make decisions, and react to road conditions. When a driver becomes emotionally distracted and causes a collision, a victim may reasonably argue that the behavior violated the distracted driver’s duty of care.
As a result, victims injured in these types of crashes may be entitled to hold the distracted driver accountable. Filing a personal injury claim allows victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and other financial and personal losses.
Successful claims against distracted drivers can also reinforce the importance of driving responsibly and help prevent others from suffering similar harm due to emotionally distracted driving.
Does Alabama Law Cover Emotional Distraction?
Alabama law recognizes distraction as a form of negligence when it contributes to a crash. While state and local distracted driving laws in Alabama focus primarily on physical distractions like texting, emotional distractions, such as arguing, can still support a negligence claim under general tort principles if a Huntsville driver failed to use reasonable care while operating their vehicle.
How Do I Prove a Driver Was Arguing During a Crash in Alabama?
It can be challenging to prove that a driver was distracted because they were arguing at the time of a crash. However, specific types of evidence beyond the standard police report could help you build a strong case:
- Passenger statements describing the argument
- 911 call audio capturing raised voices or shouting, such as in cases arising from domestic violence
- Surveillance or dashcam footage with audio
- Social media posts or texts showing a dispute before the crash
- Police observations at the scene
- Admissions made by the driver after the accident
You do not have to seek out this evidence on your own. Our Alabama car accident lawyers can take the lead in gathering critical proof before it is lost or deleted.
Contact An Experienced Distracted Driving Attorney at Our Law Firm Today
If you suffered injuries in a car accident because the occupants of another vehicle were engaged in an argument and the driver got distracted, the Huntsville distracted driving attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., want to help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact us right away to get started with your free case review and discover how we can help you pursue financial recovery following a serious injury accident.
