Distracted driving, defined as any activity which diverts a driver’s attention from the road, is a major contributor to car crashes that cause severe injuries and death. In a national analysis on which states have the most serious problems with distracted driving fatalities, Illinois ranked number eight on the list – meaning it is one of the worst states for distracted driving deaths.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a distracted driver, taking action by filing an injury claim may be the last thing you feel like doing. But you do not have to suffer alone. An Illinois distracted driving car crash attorney can do the hard work of investigating the accident, collecting evidence, and pursuing compensation on your behalf through a negotiated settlement or lawsuit.
What is Considered Distracted Driving?
As the CDC notes, if you are driving at 55 miles an hour, taking your eyes off the road long enough to send a text is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Most people know that texting and driving is not only illegal but extremely dangerous as well. But there are many other activities that can take a driver’s attention off the road that can be equally dangerous. These include:
-
Talking on the phone
-
Eating and drinking
-
Changing the radio, the GPS, or the temperature
-
Turning to help kids or pets in the backseat
-
Talking to other people in the car
Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving
Because distracted driving can cause a driver to make dangerous driving errors, such as swerving out of their lane or entering an opposite lane of traffic, distracted driving causes some of the most dangerous car accidents. These include head-on accidents, side-impact accidents, accidents involving stationary objects, and accidents with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. These crashes can result in catastrophic and even fatal injuries, including:
-
Traumatic brain injuries
-
Back injuries, including spinal cord injuries
-
Internal injuries and hemorrhaging
-
Lacerations
-
Broken bones, which can puncture vital organs
After distracted driving accidents that cause serious injuries or fatalities, it is essential to retain legal representation as soon as possible. An attorney can guide you through the period following a car accident so crucial evidence and eyewitness testimony are not lost.
Contact a Will County Distracted Driving Injury Lawyer
Will County distracted driving injury attorney Daniel Flaherty is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve after an injury or loss resulting from a negligent driver’s actions. Call Flaherty Law at 815-860-5702 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how you can benefit from our experience and skill.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html
https://fox59.com/news/distracted-driving-is-deadliest-in-these-states/