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The dangers of distracted driving are well-known in the United States, but even though many states have passed laws against texting or using a cell phone while driving, people across the country continue to put themselves and others at risk. The statistics are sobering; in 2016, 3,450 people were killed in car accidents involving distracted driving, making a total of 9.2% of all car crash fatalities. Every day, at least eight people are killed and more than 1,000 people are injured in these types of accidents. Yet despite the obvious danger of distracted driving, studies have shown that approximately 660,000 people use cell phones or electronic devices while driving on a daily basis.

The Risks of Distracted Driving

Modern cell phones are powerful computers that provide their users with the ability to easily look up information and communicate with others, and the ease of using these devices makes it tempting for people to do so while they are behind the wheel. While some people may believe that they are able to multitask and use a cell phone or complete other activities while driving, these types of distractions cause extreme danger to everyone who uses the road.

Use of electronic devices while driving is especially dangerous because it causes three separate types of distractions:

1. 1. Visual distractions, in which drivers take their eyes off the road and are not aware of what is happening around their car.
2. 2. Manual distractions, in which drivers take their hands off the steering wheel and are not in full control of their vehicle.
3. 3. Cognitive distractions, in which drivers take their attention off their surroundings and are unable to quickly react to changing traffic conditions or hazards.

If a driver is traveling at 55 miles per hour, and they take their attention off the road for five seconds to read or send a text message, this is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with their eyes closed. 

Keeping one’s full attention on the road is incredibly important, but many drivers fail to do so. Distracted driving extends beyond the use of electronic devices; many drivers are distracted by adjusting their radio or environmental controls, eating and drinking, grooming, or communicating with passengers.

Contact a Schaumburg Distracted Driving Car Accident Attorney

Drivers who use cell phones or otherwise take their attention off the road while driving put themselves and everyone around them in danger. If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident that was caused by distracted driving, the skilled attorneys of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC can help you recover the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered. Contact our Barrington personal injury attorneys today at 847-934-6000 to schedule a personalized consultation.

What Do I Do if I'm Injured in a Texting-and-Driving Accident?

A car accident of any type can be traumatic regardless of who is at fault. In Illinois, there are some important steps to take to make sure you follow the legal and responsible measures after an auto accident, especially a texting-while-driving collision. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, state laws protect your safety. A knowledgeable Illinois personal injury attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

After the Car Accident

First, make sure that you do not need immediate medical care. If you do, call 9-1-1 and wait for an ambulance. If you only have slight pains, it is still crucial to see a doctor. If you do not seek medical attention after an accident, you may not be able to receive coverage for future health care costs.

Second, if you are safely able to, gather as much information as you can on the scene. Make contact with the other driver and write down everything, such as their insurance provider, policy number, license plate number, and driver’s license number. Also, take pictures of both vehicles and your injuries on your cell phone.

Next, contact your insurance agency and report the accident. Some providers require you report an accident within a certain period of time, so make sure to contact them as soon as possible. If law enforcement responded to the accident, you can request and send a copy of the police report.

Finally, seek out a committed personal injury lawyer with experience in Illinois traffic accidents. A knowledgeable attorney will successfully represent you by seeking positive results for your car accident case.

Texting-While-Driving Laws in Illinois

Under certain circumstances, if a driver hits you while texting and driving, it is against Illinois law. According to Distraction.gov, the U.S. Government website for distracted driving, the cell phone driving laws for Illinois are:

1. Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (primary law)
2. Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers under the age of 19 (primary law)
3. Ban on texting for all drivers (primary law)
4. Ban on handheld cell phone use while driving in school or highway construction zone

Generally, handheld and hands-free devices are permitted in Illinois, except while texting. In Chicago, however, all handheld devices are banned while driving. Since the Illinois cell phone driving laws are considered “primary” ones, a police officer can pull you over for the offense without witnessing another violation (as opposed to secondary laws which only allow an officer to pull you over after witnessing another violation).

If you have been injured in a texting-while-driving car accident, contact an experienced Illinois personal injury law firm. The attorneys of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC, are committed to serving clients throughout Cook, DuPage, McHenry, Lake and Will Counties. Contact DGAA online or call the Chicago and Palatine offices at 847-934-6000.