How We Help in Cell Phone Accidents

Thursday, December 16, 2021

How We Help in Cell Phone Accidents

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

The proliferation and popularity of cell phones have had their benefits as well as their drawbacks, with the worst of the drawbacks being serious injuries or even deaths caused by drivers distracted by using cell phones while driving. If another driver caused your accident, you should discuss your rights with a Chicago cell phone accident lawyer. 

Cell Phone Use and Chicago Accidents

The use of a cell phone has become part of daily life. While cell phones were initially meant for business or emergency use, over the last decade or so, the device has become a must-have tool for everyone, including even young children. Almost everyone has a cell phone, and many have complex smartphones that they rely on for calls, text messages, emails, internet searches, and more.

Advancement in technology is a good thing, but there are several undesirable effects of using a cell phone, and none as risky as when the device becomes a distraction when someone uses it while driving. Statistics show that cell phone use is the leading cause of accidents involving teenage drivers, but it is also a common cause of car accidents involving adults – and many of these accidents are serious or even deadly.

As a response to the increased dangers of cellphone use while driving, Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones for many drivers. Restrictions are in place prohibiting drivers in the state from using a handheld cell phone in most situations, and drivers who cause accidents and injuries due to cell phone use can face criminal penalties, including even jail time. They also face civil liability for the injuries they cause.

There are no statistics to show the extent cell phone use or contributes to accidents in Chicago, but just going by the sheer number of drivers seen talking and texting while driving, one must conclude there is a strong correlation between the use of cell phones while driving and high rate of accidents.

Indeed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving a vehicle while texting is six times more dangerous than intoxicated driving. The agency reported that writing a text message reduces the driver’s reactions by 35 percent while drinking alcohol up to the legal limit reduces reactions by only 12 percent.

Why You Need a Chicago Cell Phone Accident Lawyer

When an accident occurs, a lot of things come into play, and if you are a victim who has been injured in this kind of accident, you have certain rights under the law. One of them is your right to file a personal injury claim against the person who caused the accident while using a cell phone.

To prevail and successfully get compensated for your injuries, you will need to meet the requirements set by law. At Malman Law, we help clients like you to successfully pursue their personal injury cases. If you have been injured in an accident involving a cell phone-using driver, contact us for a free consultation today.