Granite City Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Granite City Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. It often leaves victims with severe injuries and overwhelming challenges. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, a Granite City distracted driving accident lawyer can find the justice and compensation you deserve.

At Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and holding negligent drivers accountable. Our trusted Granite City personal injury lawyer can provide personalized legal guidance for your situation. We can navigate the complexities of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

Trust Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law

Distracted driving poses a serious and potentially life-threatening risk to anyone who shares our roads or traverses our crosswalks. Addressing this reckless behavior requires skilled legal representation. At Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, we focus on helping those affected by distracted driving accidents.

With extensive experience in personal injury cases, we understand how to build strong claims and advocate for fair compensation. Our personalized approach means we provide attentive support and clear communication throughout the process. When you choose our law firm, you gain a dedicated ally committed to justice and securing the results you need.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving

In 2021 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,522 people in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This alarming statistic underscores the deadly consequences of taking one’s attention off the road, even for a moment. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts focus from the essential task of safely operating a vehicle.

Distractions come in many forms. Texting or talking on the phone is one of the most common and dangerous types, as it combines manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Eating, drinking, or reaching for dropped items can take one’s hands off the wheel. Adjusting navigation systems or fiddling with a car’s stereo shifts one’s eyes away from the road.

Even talking with passengers can reduce focus, particularly when the conversation becomes animated or emotional. Each of these behaviors, though seemingly minor, can drastically increase the likelihood of a crash. Staying alert and prioritizing safety can allow your trip to end without tragedy.

What Is the New Law on Distracted Driving?

The newest Illinois law on distracted driving, effective July 1, 2019, prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. This includes making calls, texting, or using apps (unless the device is in hands-free mode). Drivers may use features like speakerphone or Bluetooth but cannot physically hold their phones. Exceptions are limited to emergencies, such as contacting law enforcement or medical personnel.

Violations are treated as moving violations and are recorded on the driver’s record. First-time offenders face a $75 fine, with fines escalating for subsequent offenses, reaching $150 for the third. Three moving violations in a year may result in license suspension, emphasizing the law’s intent to deter dangerous driving behaviors.

Can I Be Compensated After a Distracted Driver Injures Me?

You may be entitled to compensation if a distracted driver injures you in an accident. Distracted driving is a form of negligence; when it causes harm to others, the injured party has the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Compensation typically covers a range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic losses, like pain and suffering.

To successfully recover compensation, you must demonstrate that the distracted driver was at fault. This involves proving that the driver’s inattentive behavior directly caused the accident and your injuries. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and cellphone records can be critical in establishing liability. An experienced personal injury attorney can gather this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly reckless behavior, such as texting while driving or engaging in other distractions that disregard the safety of others. Acting quickly is crucial, as personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing your case in Granite City, IL.

Granite City Distracted Driving Accident FAQs

Q: Does Distracted Driving Cause Accidents?

A: Yes, distracted driving significantly contributes to accidents. Engaging in activities like texting, eating, or adjusting in-car controls diverts attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving leads to thousands of crashes annually, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Maintaining focus while driving is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring road safety.

Q: Is Distracted Driving a Form of Aggressive Driving?

A: While distracted driving and aggressive driving are distinct behaviors, they can overlap. Aggressive drivers may engage in risky actions, like speeding or tailgating, while also being distracted by their phones or other activities. Both behaviors can impair a driver’s focus and judgment, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries to other motorists.

Q: What Is the Illinois Law for Distracted Driving?

A: Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. This includes activities such as texting, browsing, or making calls without a hands-free device. Exceptions are made for emergencies, like reporting an accident or calling for help. Violating these laws can result in fines, license penalties, and increased insurance rates.

Q: How Much Is a Distracted Driving Ticket in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, a first-time offense for using a handheld device while driving carries a fine of up to $75. Subsequent offenses incur higher fines:

• Second Offense: $100
• Third Offense: $125
• Fourth or More offense: $150

If a driver commits a moving violation three or more times in a 12-month period, they risk the suspension of their driver’s license.

Schedule Your Distracted Driving Consultation Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you don’t have time to wait for the compensation you are owed. At Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on your life, from mounting medical bills to lost income to emotional distress.

Our firm is dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving pursue the compensation they need to move forward. We can investigate your claim, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with a dedicated Granite City distracted driving accident lawyer.