The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that each day approximately nine people are killed and over 1,000 injured in car accidents that involve distracted driving. Any activity that distracts you from the operation of your vehicle is considered distracted driving. While most people immediately think of cell phones, distracted driving can take many forms. All of them can cause injury or death.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a car accident, contact the distracted driving accident lawyers serving Powell from Bressman Law at (614) 538-1116 today to find out how we can start your personal injury case.
Types of Distracted Driving
The use of a cell phone is the most obvious and common form of distracted driving, and teens texting while driving poses a huge risk. Research done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that over half of teen drivers talk or text on a cell phone while they are driving a vehicle. Ohio has attempted to mitigate these distractions by banning the use of any “electronic wireless communication device” for teenage drivers, but this law is apparently not resolving the dangerous behavior by teens.
Distracted driving isn’t limited to only cell phone abuse while driving. There are three types of distractions for drivers:
- Visual: taking eyes off the roadway for any reason
- Manual: taking hands off the steering wheel for any reason
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving, even for a moment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the 2,935 fatal crashes that occurred (9% of all car accidents) were due to distracted driving in some way. The most common reasons for car accidents related to driving distractions include:
- Cell phone usage (texting, talking, etc.)
- Distraction from outside the vehicle
- Distraction from within the vehicle
- A device used other than a cell phone
- Eating or drinking
- Distraction due to the radio
- Distraction due to adjustment of climate controls
- Attempting to use some device to control the vehicle
- Smoking
- Daydreaming or lost in thought
While every driver can be distracted at some point, the safety of the driver, passengers and other motorists depends on minimizing the driving distractions and reducing any risky behaviors.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accident attorney in Powell, call (614) 538-1116
Prevention of Distracted Driving in Powell, OH
To address distracted driving, Ohio passed House Bill 95 regarding distracted driving in 2018. The Ohio legislature significantly changed the laws related to distracted driving. While Ohio Statute 4511.204 makes it illegal to use a cell phone while driving, a police officer had to have the burden of proof to show that the driver was actually texting while driving.
This new bill addresses all types of distracted driving and makes almost all of them illegal. The first violation of this law carries with it a lower punishment (a misdemeanor). However, if a person is convicted of distracted driving twice in one year, and personal injuries result from that accident, they can be charged with a higher third-degree misdemeanor.
If you are the victim of an accident related to the distracted driving of another driver, we can help you start your personal injury case and receive the compensation you deserve. Contact the distracted driving accident lawyers serving Powell from Bressman Law at (614) 538-1116 today.
Powell Distracted Driving Accident Attorney (614) 538-1116
Personal Injuries Due to Distracted Driving
Distracted driving causes accidents involving injuries and even death. If you have been a victim of someone’s distracted driving in a car accident, you have the right to restore your losses and receive compensation for your personal injuries.
Follow these steps if you have been in any car accident.
- File an Official Police Report. Call 911 at the scene of the accident and have the police officer make an official police report. If you believe you saw the other driver using a cell phone to talk or text while driving, make sure that you tell the police officer all the details. It is possible that including this information in a police report will allow your car accident attorney to subpoena the cell phone records of the other driver at a later date.
- Receive Medical Care Immediately. Often an ambulance at the scene of the accident will be able to assess any immediate injuries. It is always wise to follow up with your doctor or other medical professionals as you may have internal injuries, whiplash, or other medical issues that are not visible or identifiable immediately after the car accident.
- Collect Evidence and Documentation. Remember to always keep and save any medical bills, lost wages, insurance company documents, or other evidence. Write summaries of any discussions you may have with insurance companies. This paper trail can help us construct a strong case for you.
Any distracted driving is considered by law to be negligence. You have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and to reclaim lost wages if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
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Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Powell, OH, Today
Ohio takes distracted driving seriously and punishes those who have acted negligently while driving. If you are a victim of someone’s distracted driving, and have personal injuries, property damage, or lost wages, the distracted driving accident lawyers serving Powell can help you understand your rights.
We have proudly represented personal injury clients for more than 30 years. We currently serve all areas throughout Ohio–Upper Arlington, Dublin, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Westerville, Worthington, Hilliard, Powell, New Albany, Marysville, Delaware, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Contact our legal team at Bressman Law at (614) 538-1116 today to get started and find out how we can help you with your case.
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