If you have been involved in an accident caused by someone who was texting while driving, the car accident law firm of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers stands ready to help. A Chicago texting while driving lawyer from our legal team can representation you as you seek compensation for your injuries.
Is Texting While Driving Legal in Illinois?
No.
Illinois law bans hand-held cell phone use, texting, and using other electronic devices while driving. A hands-free device is permitted for those 19 and older, but can still be distracting. It’s recommended to pull over for calls or texts.
Exceptions include emergencies, being parked on the shoulder, or stopped in traffic. Distracted driving can lead to criminal penalties and jail time.
What Is My Texting While Driving Accident Case Worth?
To a driving accident lawyer, texting and driving is considered an act of negligence by Illinois law. In order to evaluate your personal injury claim, experienced Chicago lawyers will consider factors such as:
- The severity of your car accident injuries
- Current and future medical expenses resulting from the motor vehicle accident
- Lost wages and potential loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident
Why Is Texting While Driving Dangerous?
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three forms of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. When a driver takes their eyes off the road to look at their cell phone, their hands off the wheel to text, and their mind off driving to read or respond to a message, they are significantly increasing the risk of causing an accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Texting is the most alarming distraction for distracted drivers. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Types of Compensation Possible for Your Texting Accident Injuries
The compensation for your injuries varies based on the specifics of your distracted driving accident. Experienced car accident attorneys typically seek damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
What Should I Do When I See a Negligent Driver Texting?
If you observe a driver texting, maintain a safe distance to protect yourself. Avoid confronting the texting driver too directly. If the behavior poses immediate danger, report it to the authorities by providing the vehicle’s description and location.
How Can Texting While Driving Accident Lawyers Help?
Auto accident attorneys can help you in the following ways:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence—such as cell phone records—to prove that the other driver was texting while driving
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation
- Building a strong case to hold the distracted driver accountable for their actions
- In case of fatality, handling the wrongful death claim
- Representing you in court if necessary
Contact a Chicago Texting While Driving Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by someone who was texting while driving, it’s important to seek legal representation right away. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our experienced team of lawyers is dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving accidents receive the compensation they deserve.