Distracted driving is a major contributor to car crashes in Ohio and the rest of the United States. Even while texting while driving gets the most attention, there are plenty of other distractions on the road. Distracting factors that can lead to an accident include rowdy passengers, loud music, and even eating while driving.

Unfortunately, proving that a distracted driver was at fault for an accident is one of the trickiest parts of suing for compensation. As an outside observer, you may have a hard time proving that a motorist was distracted. The right car accident lawyer in Toledo can help you gather the data you need to prove negligence on the part of a distracted motorist if you’ve been wounded.

Investigations and Reports from the Police

Calling the police to the scene of an accident as soon as possible is crucial. When the police arrive, they will conduct an investigation and perhaps submit a report that states the other driver was at fault. Tell the responding officer if you noticed the other driver was preoccupied in the seconds before the collision.

Eyewitnesses

Any person who saw the collision take place is considered a witness, and could potentially testify that the negligent driver was preoccupied with something else at the time of the collision. Statements from onlookers, other drivers, and passengers in vehicles involved can all bolster your case.

Data from Cell Phones

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited in the state of Ohio. The at-fault driver’s cell phone records may reveal if they were texting or talking on the phone at the time of the accident, which is why an Ohio car accident attorney may want to subpoena them. In the event of a legal dispute, you will be able to use your cell phone provider’s records as admissible evidence to support your case.

Pictures and Films

It’s always smart to document the scene of an accident with photographs, but that might not be enough to prove that a careless driver caused the collision because of distractions. Lucky for you, more and more people are starting to use dashcams in their cars, and you can subpoena their footage to back up your case. It’s also possible that the adjacent businesses have some sort of video surveillance system that caught the accident on tape.