Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in Ohio and across the nation. In April, during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it’s important to take a closer look at how these accidents happen, the impact they have on victims, and how you can protect your rights after being injured in a crash caused by distracted driving.
As a vehicle accident attorney in Hamilton, Ohio, The Richards Firm understands the devastating consequences of distracted driving. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted driver, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving. It includes anything that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off the task of driving safely. There are three main types of distractions:
- Visual distractions: Anything that causes a driver to look away from the road, such as texting or looking at a GPS screen.
- Manual distractions: Activities that take a driver’s hands off the wheel, such as using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio.
- Cognitive distractions: Anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road, such as having a conversation, daydreaming, tiredness, or being mentally preoccupied with personal issues.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Accidents
Distracted driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to react to potential hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for 3,142 fatalities in 2019 alone, with many more injuries resulting from crashes caused by distracted drivers.
In Ohio, distractions like texting while driving, talking on the phone, or even adjusting the car’s entertainment system can lead to dangerous and sometimes deadly accidents. The impact of distracted driving can result in:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Collisions involving pedestrians
- Collisions with cyclists or motorcyclists
- Multi-car pile-ups
If you have been involved in an accident where a distracted driver was at fault, you have legal rights to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Ohio’s Distracted Driving Laws
Ohio has implemented several laws to combat distracted driving and reduce accidents on the road. These laws are designed to protect both drivers and pedestrians from the dangers of distracted driving.
- Texting While Driving: Ohio law prohibits texting while driving for all drivers, regardless of age. For drivers under the age of 18, this law extends to all forms of cell phone use, including talking on the phone or using apps while driving.
- Handheld Devices: Ohio law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving for drivers under the age of 18. While adults are allowed to use hands-free devices, texting or using a mobile device while driving is still considered a violation of the law.
- School Zones and Work Zones: In Ohio, distracted driving penalties are stricter in school zones and construction zones. Drivers are required to slow down and focus on the road in these areas, and violations can result in fines or other penalties.
- Motorcycle Riders and Bicyclists: Distracted driving can also pose a serious threat to motorcyclists and bicyclists. In Ohio, distracted driving laws extend to prevent dangerous behavior that could lead to accidents involving these vulnerable road users.
By understanding these laws, victims of distracted driving accidents can better build their case and demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.
How to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim for Distracted Driving
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, proving that the other driver was distracted and at fault requires strong evidence and legal expertise.
Here are the steps to pursue a personal injury claim after a distracted driving accident in Ohio:
- Seek Medical Attention: After a crash, your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention to identify any hidden injuries and document the extent of your injuries for your case.
- Gather Evidence: It’s essential to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes:
- Police reports: The police will investigate the accident and provide a report that can help establish fault.
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses can provide crucial testimony about the events leading up to the accident.
- Photographs: Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries can be important evidence.
- Phone records: If the driver was using a mobile device at the time of the crash, phone records or data from the device can help prove that distraction played a role in the accident.
- Consult with a Vehicle Accident Attorney: An experienced vehicle accident attorney in Hamilton, Ohio, can help you gather evidence, negotiate claims with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary. The Richards Firm is committed to helping distracted driving accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.
- Negotiate or Go to Trial: Many personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations with insurance companies. However, if the insurer is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can try your case if needed.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, therapy, and other medical costs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injury has had on your life.
- Property damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle or other property damaged in the crash.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the distracted driving was particularly egregious and contrary to public safety.
How The Richards Firm Can Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident in Ohio, it’s essential to have an experienced vehicle accident attorney in Hamilton, Ohio, on your side. At The Richards Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully handling distracted driving cases and securing fair compensation for our clients.
Our team is committed to:
- Investigating the cause of the accident and gathering strong evidence.
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.
- Advocating for your rights in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached.
Contact The Richards Firm Today
Distracted driving is a serious issue, and those who cause accidents through negligence should be held accountable. If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving crash, contact The Richards Firm today to schedule a consultation with a skilled vehicle accident attorney in Hamilton, Ohio. We are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us at 513-461-0084 or visit us online at https://richardsinjuryfirm.com to get started on your case.
