Distracted driving is largely avoidable. If you were injured by another driver, they may have been using a cell phone, eating or drinking, or engaging in other forms of distracted driving at the time of your collision.
Many forms of distracted driving are outlawed in Ohio, including texting and driving, which is prohibited under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §4511.204. By disregarding the law and safety of others, another party could be held accountable for your financial losses.
Bressman Law serves Pickerington and the surrounding area. We have been serving personal injury claimants for more than 30 years, and we want to help you too. To learn more about how a Pickerington distracted driving accident lawyer can help you, call us today at (614) 538-1116.
Potential Causes of Your Distracted Driving Accident
Drivers in Pickerington must be aware of certain distractions that take their attention away from the road. Refraining from distracted driving is one of the many ways that drivers may avoid causing collisions—potentially preventing injuries and deaths. All motorists have a duty of care to act “as a reasonably prudent person in their position would,” per the Legal Information Institute (LII).
Upholding one’s duty of care means avoiding certain distractions.
These distractions may include:
Using a Mobile Device’s Keyboard
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in 2019, there were 7,088 distracted driving violations. Many of these violations resulted in collisions that caused serious harm to other road users.
Motorists who use their phone’s keyboard for any reason could be taking their eyes, hands, and attention off the road for significant periods of time. During such stretches, road conditions may change, and a distracted motorist may strike another vehicle or pedestrian.
Rubbernecking
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated more than 50,000 accidents in 2019. When accidents happen, it generally takes some time to clear the scene. Those involved in a car accident may first give their official accounts, receive initial medical care, and speak with their insurance companies before leaving the scene. It may also take time for tow trucks to clear incapacitated vehicles from the scene.
This means that motorists passing by the accident scene may have plenty to look at. However, rubbernecking may be considered a type of distraction and could cause further damage.
Engaging with Others Inside of a Vehicle
As casual as it can seem to hold a conversation with others while driving, these interactions can take a motorist’s mind off driving.
Having a conversation may cause a driver to:
- Turn their head to look others in the eye
- Take a hand off of the wheel to make gestures while speaking
- Break their concentration on the road
- Become upset or agitated
Conversing or interacting with that insidez of a vehicle may lead to a potentially fatal accident. If a distracted driver caused an accident in which you were injured, a Pickerington distracted driving accident lawyer may be able to secure compensation to cover your losses.
Call Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116 for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accident attorney in Pickerington, call (614) 538-1116
A Lawyer Will Handle Your Distracted Driving Accident Case
There may be more than one way to seek compensation after a distracted driving accident. The team at Bressman Law may be able to carry out various legal actions to resolve your case. This could ultimately help you or a loved one receive a financial recovery.
The following actions may be warranted depending on the details of your case, including:
Wrongful Death Litigation
If a loved one passed away as a result of a distracted driving accident, then your lawyer can draft, file, and complete a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. While most personal injury and wrongful death cases do not make it to court, this may be necessary, depending on your circumstances.
As part of wrongful death litigation, your lawyer may:
- Consider the losses that may come from wrongful death, such as pain and suffering, lost income, and funeral expenses
- Present decisive forms of evidence in court
- Interview witnesses
- Manage the aspects of your wrongful death lawsuit
- Defend your legal rights
A wrongful death lawsuit may be a way for you and your loved ones to pursue justice. However, keep in mind that Ohio only gives you a limited time to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Per ORC §2125.02, claimants typically have two years from the date of their loved one’s passing to pursue a lawsuit.
Your lawyer can manage the deadlines associated with your case so that you can mourn the loss of your loved one.
An Insurance Claim
Auto insurance is required in Ohio, as the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) explains. Even though Ohio law requires auto insurance, not every Ohioan has insurance. It is important that you contact a personal injury lawyer immediately if the other driver did not show proof of insurance at the scene. If the liable party’s insurance policy covers your losses, then your lawyer may be able to secure such coverage on your behalf.
Insurance claims are not always easy to complete, and choosing to have a lawyer handle your claim may relieve your stress and anxiety regarding the process. Some covered losses in your case may include property damage expenses, medical costs, and other damages.
A Personal Injury Lawsuit
If insurance does not adequately cover the harm you have suffered, then a personal injury lawsuit may provide compensation. Your lawyer can determine who is responsible for your injuries, file your lawsuit, and, if they are successful, secure compensation on your behalf. You have two years under ORC §2305.10 to bring your case to court. Again, a lawyer can manage the deadlines surrounding your distracted driving personal injury case.
Pickerington Distracted Driving Accident Attorney (614) 538-1116
Call Bressman Law Today
A Pickerington distracted driving accident lawyer will determine whether your circumstances merit an insurance claim or lawsuit. When you get in touch with Bressman Law, we can explain your legal options at no cost to you. We can also go into detail about how we work on a contingency-fee-basis; you may be able to work with a lawyer at no out-of-pocket expense to you.
Call Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116 for a free discussion about how we could help you or a loved one.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
