Distracted driving happens every day on Alabama’s roads. Simple actions, such as checking a text message, adjusting the GPS, or eating behind the wheel, can take a driver’s focus off the road long enough to cause a serious accident. If you were hurt because another driver couldn’t stay focused, you should not have to face the physical, emotional, and financial impact alone.
At Stokes Stemle, LLC, our Opelika distracted driving accident attorneys stand up for victims and their families. We understand how quickly medical bills, lost wages, and stress can accumulate after a serious accident. Our team is prepared to investigate your case, protect your rights, and work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a distracted driving accident lawyer.
Understanding Distracted Driving
Distracted driving happens when a driver takes their attention off the road, even for a moment. These distractions usually fall into the following three main types:
- Visual distractions – taking your eyes off the road (for example, reading a text or looking at a passenger)
- Manual distractions – taking your hands off the wheel (such as eating, reaching for an item, or using a phone)
- Cognitive distractions – taking your mind off driving (such as daydreaming or being emotionally upset)
One of the most common and dangerous examples is texting while driving. In Alabama, this behavior is illegal under Alabama Code § 32-5A-350, yet it continues to cause preventable auto accidents on our roads.
If you have been in a car accident in Opelika, AL, and suspect distracted driving played a role, an attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove it, such as phone records, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
Common Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents
Because distracted drivers often fail to brake or react in time, these crashes tend to cause severe injuries. Victims frequently face long recovery times and high medical costs. Common injuries in distracted driving car wrecks include the following:
- Whiplash and neck injuries from rear-end collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by sudden impact or head trauma
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries, sometimes resulting in partial or complete paralysis
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Cuts, bruises, and facial injuries from airbags or shattered glass
Beyond physical harm, victims often experience emotional trauma, anxiety, or post-accident depression. These invisible injuries can affect every part of daily life, from returning to work to spending time with family.
Proving Liability in an Opelika Distracted Driving Case
Proving another driver’s distraction requires a detailed investigation. Alabama law follows the rule of pure contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found to be even slightly responsible for the crash, you will be barred from recovering compensation. Due to this strict rule, building a strong case is crucial.
Your distracted driving accident attorney will gather evidence such as the following:
- Cell phone records showing calls, texts, or social media activity at the time of the crash
- Police reports and witness statements
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Vehicle data logs and accident reconstruction
- Expert testimony regarding the cause and timing of the collision
Our attorneys handle every part of this process. We know what to look for and how to counter the defense tactics insurance companies use to shift blame. The goal is simple: to prove the other driver’s negligence and hold them fully accountable.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation covering both financial and personal losses. This can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the pain and emotional distress caused by the crash. In court cases involving wanton or malicious behavior, additional punitive damages may also be applicable.
The value of your claim depends on the extent of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, and the available insurance coverage. A car accident lawyer in Alabama can review every detail of your case and calculate the full amount you are owed.
How Stokes Stemle Helps Distracted Driving Accident Victims
We focus exclusively on personal injury law, dedicating our careers to helping people rebuild after serious accidents, especially those caused by distracted drivers. We understand how overwhelming a crash can be and are here to guide you through every step of the process.
When you choose our firm, you can count on personalized attention and open communication. You will work directly with your attorney while our team handles the details, such as investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. If they refuse to offer what’s fair, we are ready to take your case to court.
Our clients often express gratitude for the care and dedication we bring to every case. One client, Brennan, shared, “I was recently involved in a car accident and was not getting anywhere on my claim. The attorneys at Stokes Stemle were easily accessible and gave me honest advice on the value of my claim. I was very happy with my settlement and would recommend them to anyone who has been injured in a car accident.”
Stories like this reflect what drives us every day: providing compassionate support, clear communication, and strong legal advocacy for individuals whose lives have been impacted by distracted driving. Every client matters, and we are committed to fighting for the justice and peace of mind they deserve.
Contact Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys for Help
After a distracted driving accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. But you do not have to face this alone. Our experienced attorneys offer free case reviews, explain your legal options, and manage all communication with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Reaching out to us early gives us the best chance to gather evidence and build a strong case for you.
If you were injured in a car accident in Opelika, AL, caused by a distracted or texting driver, contact Stokes Stemle, LLC, today. Call our office or fill out our online consultation form to get started. Our distracted driving accident attorneys are here to help you move forward physically, emotionally, and financially.
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