It’s amazing how quickly you can pick them out on the roadways. They weave in and out of their lane. They are slow to respond when the traffic signal changes. They fail to maintain an even speed.
No, we’re not talking about DUI drivers.
We’re talking about drivers on cell phones.
In a sense, the two are not so different because neither one is particularly aware of their surroundings. And that makes both kinds of drivers dangerous.
Drivers who use cell phones, either hands-free or handheld, are four times more likely to be involved in a crash according to multiple studies. Even more alarming, thousands of deaths each year are due to cell phone-related crashes, according to the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis.
But statistics don’t provide much comfort when you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a driver who was on a cell phone.
Our auto accident attorneys regularly witness the devastation these types of accidents incur, from simple fender benders to horrific accidents that take lives. This is the time when a personal injury attorney can provide the guidance and expertise you need in a confusing legal system. The sad truth is, even though the other driver was at fault, you will still have the legal burden to prove that their negligence caused the accident.
What Is a Distracted Driver?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving includes:
- Talking on a cell phone or text messaging.
- Eating and drinking.
- Grooming.
- Using a navigation system.
Unfortunately, if you have been the victim in an accident where the other driver was distracted by a cell phone, proving it is not always easy. In fact, it often can be hard to prove. An auto accident attorney familiar with the law and rules of evidence can be an important asset when it comes to proving your case. An experienced auto accident attorney knows how to acquire the proof you need to document cell phone use.
Just Compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a driver using a cell phone, you are entitled to compensation. Payments should cover physical pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. An attorney can help you prove your case and, if an insurance company wants to settle out of court, ensure you get just compensation. Far too many insurance companies offer low-ball settlements and employ take-it-or-leave-it intimidation tactics that leave the injured party short-changed.
Wilhelm & Roemersma, personal injury lawyers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have more than 75 years of combined legal experience and are well qualified to handle the problems associated with proving distracted driving in a personal injury lawsuit.
They are committed to providing you the guidance you need in a legal system that can often be confusing. Their team of lawyers is dedicated to doing everything possible to ensure just compensation. Please contact us if you need legal representation.
