April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month – Learn Your Rights if You Were Injured by a Distracted Driver

 Posted on March 28, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Cell phones, GPS systems, kids in the backseat, and countless other factors can lead to distracted driving. Driving takes a great deal of concentration. Drivers must pay attention to traffic signs and signals, other motorists, and pedestrians simultaneously. Failure to pay close enough attention to the road and surroundings can lead to horrible accidents.

To bring attention to the ongoing problem of distracted driving, April has been designated as distracted driving awareness month. If you or a loved one were injured in a car crash caused by a distracted driver, you should know your rights. You may be able to hold the distracted driver accountable and seek financial compensation for your damages.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

Despite advances in automotive technology and safety, The National Highway Safety Administration reports that fatal auto accidents rose 17 percent from 2019 to 2021. Many experts believe that the increase in smartphone use behind the wheel and complacency while driving has contributed to the increase in fatal crashes.

We often use the term “distracted driving” synonymously with texting and driving, but distracted driving does not always involve an electronic device. In fact, one study showed that the greatest cause of distracted driving was daydreaming or getting lost in thought while driving. Anything that takes a driver’s hands off of the wheel, eyes off of the road, or attention away from driving safely can lead to a collision.

Justice for Individuals Touched by Distracted Driving

Negligent driving can take the form of texting and driving, speeding, driving while intoxicated by substances, or general recklessness. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver or someone driving negligently, you may be able to take legal action. You could be entitled to compensation for your vehicle damage as well as medical bills resulting from your injuries. You may also be able to recover compensation for the intangible consequences of the crash, including your pain and suffering.

If you lost a loved one because of another party’s carelessness behind the wheel, you may be able to seek justice on his or her behalf though a wrongful death claim or survival action.

Contact a Bensenville Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer

Distracted driving accident victims may be able to pursue justice and financial recovery through a civil legal action. To learn more, contact the skilled DuPage County personal injury attorneys at Kaiser Law. Call us at 630-274-4400 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www.wspynews.com/news/local/local-police-ask-motorists-to-drop-it-and-drive/article_725c67f2-a912-11ec-a59f-97c965171e89.html

https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/daydreaming-leading-cause-distracted-driving

https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driver-assist-technology-distracting/