The state of Ohio has put forth a concerted effort to reduce instances of distracted driving as this hazard continues to endanger motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The Ohio Distracted Driving Task Force cites the use of smartphones as a leading factor in the rise of distracted driving, noting that the practice contributed to over 14,100 crashes in 2018 alone.
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident that was caused by somebody texting while driving, you may have a case for compensation. A Columbus texting while driving accident lawyer has the tools necessary to build a case that supports your account of events. At Bressman Law, we understand how dangerous texting while driving can be. We want to take action on your behalf that protects your interests.
For a free consultation regarding your case, call Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116.
Texting and Driving Breaches One’s Duty of Care
According to the Ohio State Patrol, the percentage of Ohioans texting while driving has increased steadily across all age groups since 2013. Despite many national ad campaigns and advisories that show that texting while driving is dangerous, many drivers still risk their lives in order to engage with their phones.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites several reasons why distracted driving (and texting while driving in particular) are so dangerous.
Those reasons include:
- Our brains cannot truly perform two tasks at the same time, and focusing on texting impacts our ability to pay attention to the road.
- Texting while driving generally requires you to take your eyes off of the road and at least one hand off of the wheel, which both increase your risk of being involved in a collision.
According to Ohio Revised Code 4511.204: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicular traffic while using a handheld electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.”
Texting while driving in Ohio is subject to legal penalties. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident caused by another motorist who was texting while driving, you could have the grounds of a civil action.
Additional Forms of Distracted Driving That Qualify as Negligence
Texting while driving is not the only type of distracted driving on the roads of Columbus, and may not be the only type of negligence that was a factor in your accident.
Some other forms of distracted driving that may lead to an accident include:
- Adjusting the car’s entertainment system, which includes using your phone or another device to change a song or other form of media
- Taking your eyes off of the road to tend to other passengers (human or animal) inside of your vehicle
- Taking your eyes and attention from the road to observe or engage with people or objects outside of the vehicle
- Speaking on the phone, even if you are using a hands-free method
- Eating or drinking while driving
Distracted driving is a blanket term that encompasses behaviors that take your focus off the road. Engaging in such behaviors that are known to be dangerous may qualify as negligence if they cause injury or death in an accident.
If you were injured or a loved one passed away in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Call our team at Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116 for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a texting while driving accident attorney in Columbus, call (614) 538-1116
Seeking Justice Against a Distracted Driver
When you work with a Columbus texting while driving accident lawyer from Bressman Law, you may be able to pursue compensation either through a judge’s verdict or out-of-court settlement.
If your case is successful, you may be able to recover the cost of:
- Medical bills, both current and projected
- Income lost while recovering from your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity, if you cannot return to your previous place of employment
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Per Ohio Revised Code 2305.10, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. For this reason, we encourage you to act in a timely manner. If you do not file a civil action within these parameters, you will jeopardize your right to compensation.
Columbus Texting While Driving Accident Attorney (614) 538-1116
Call a Columbus Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Case Review
At Bressman Law, we advocate on behalf of injured victims throughout Ohio. When you partner with our firm, a Columbus texting while driving accident lawyer can examine the details of your case and help you move forward.
Some tasks that our team can undertake on your behalf include:
- Collecting the facts and evidence of your accident through interviews and independent investigation
- Identifying those who may be responsible for your losses
- Tabulating the cost of your economic and noneconomic damages
- Consulting experts that could provide testimony on your behalf
- Helping you file a crash report and any other documents that could be required in order to bring legal action
- Exploring any settlement options that are available to you
- If your lawsuit goes to trial, arguing your case for awards in front of a judge
We pride ourselves on providing you warm, supportive, and helpful representation. Additionally, we work on a contingency-fee basis. To get our help, there are no starting fees or up-front costs. We only get paid for our services if we get compensation for you and your family.
To get started, call Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116.
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