Distracted Driving and Car Accidents

Car Accident Lawyer

While technological advancements have been utilized to create safer driving experiences for those on the road, it is also true that the opposite has happened: because it is much easier to communicate with people through cell phones, car accidents caused by distracted driving have gone way up. Although many states have enacted certain laws telling drivers not to text and drive or use handheld phones, many try to skirt around these rules or ignore them altogether. If you were injured in a car accident and believe that the person was distracted by their phone, you are not alone. 

What Does It Mean for You if You Want to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit? 

If you are hoping to file a lawsuit so that you can get compensated for your injuries and related expenses, you will need to provide evidence that shows the other driver was distracted. Because they were distracted, they caused the car accident which resulted in your injuries. If you are hoping to work with a lawyer, like a car accident lawyer can help you gather the evidence necessary for your case. 

What May Have Happened to Cause the Distracted Driving? 

Cell phone use does not necessarily mean that the other person was talking on the phone while they were driving. Instead, it could mean: 

  • They were dialing a number on their phone and looked away from the road
  • They were sending a text message 
  • They had a passenger in the car who was texting, on a phone call, or was using their cellphone in some way
  • They were talking on the phone, even hands-free, and were in a heated or emotionally charged conversation

Who Is Responsible for the Accident? 

This may seem like it has an obvious answer: the person who was driving and on their phone was responsible! However, it may be a little more complicated than this. If a minor was responsible for causing the accident, it may be questionable as to whether they are responsible or whether their parents will be held responsible. Similarly, if an employee was on company time and they were using their cell phone to make a call, send a text, or write a work email, the injured party may choose to aim their lawsuit at the driver’s employer. 

When making the decision to pursue a lawsuit after a car accident, it may be most beneficial to you to do so with legal assistance. See if a local attorney can help you today.