Wondering if you need a lawyer for your Aurora car accident? Here are reasons to call us.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be wondering what your legal options are. The experienced Aurora car accident lawyers at the Kryder Law Group can help you understand your rights and options under Illinois law and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Distracted driving is becoming an increasingly common problem on the roads today. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or simply not paying attention to the road, distracted driving can have devastating consequences. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be facing significant medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The good news is that you may be able to recover compensation for these damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
The experienced car accident lawyers at the Kryder Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options under Illinois law and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. We will fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
In this Article
Understand the Main Reasons for Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accidents can be enraging, particularly because these motor vehicle accidents and resulting serious injuries could easily have been avoided had the negligent drivers simply paid attention to the road.
Cell Phone Use Is One of Many Types of Distracted Driving
We have probably all been frustrated by witnessing a driver with a cellphone in hand, not paying any attention to the road. However, it is not only cellphone use that counts as distracted driving. It is an umbrella term that encompasses anything taking a driver’s attention and focus away from the road.
There can be a multitude of other reasons why someone may get distracted. As a result of an accident with a distracted driver, you could end up with medical bills, loss of income, and many other damages that may not be fully covered by any insurances. In this case, you may need to take action to recover what is due to you.
Three Types of Distracted Driving
There are three types of distraction that can lead to Aurora car accidents:
Manual – When a driver takes their hands off the wheel
Visual – When a driver takes their eyes off the road
Cognitive – When a driver takes their mind off of driving
All three types can cause deadly motor vehicle accidents, but cognitive distraction is particularly dangerous because it means that the driver is not fully focused on the task of driving.
Reasons for Distracted Driving
Some of the most common reasons for distracted driving include:
Texting – Cell phones cause one of the most common and dangerous types of distraction. Sending or reading a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field.
Talking on the phone – Whether it’s a hands-free or handheld device, talking on the phone can be distracting. A hands-free device may take a driver’s attention away from the road, and a handheld device requires a driver to take their eyes off the road to dial or answer a call.
Rubbernecking – When drivers slow down to look at an accident or something else on the side of the road, they are not paying attention to the road in front of them. This can lead to rear-end collisions and other accidents.
Eating and drinking – Drivers who are eating or drinking are not paying attention to the road. They may also have one hand off the wheel and their eyes off the road.
Smoking or vaping – Lighting a cigarette or turning on a vape pen takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Inhaling and exhaling smoke can also be distracting.
Grooming – Drivers who are brushing their hair, putting on makeup, or doing anything else to groom themselves are not paying attention to the road.
Adjusting the stereo, navigation system or climate control – Drivers who are adjusting the volume, navigation system, or temperature in their car are not paying attention to the road.
Passengers – Drivers who are talking to passengers, whether they are children or adults, may be distracted from the task of driving.
Pets – Pets can be a distraction for drivers, especially if they are unsecured in the car.
Cellphone use – As mentioned above, cellphone use is one of the most common and dangerous types of distracted driving.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
The best way to avoid being involved in an accident with a distracted driver is to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and to avoid doing it yourself. If you must use your cellphone while driving, make sure to pull over to a safe location first.
Common Behaviors of Distracted Drivers
You should also be aware of the signs that a driver is distracted. If you see a driver who is swerving, veering off the road, or making other erratic movements, they may be distracted. If you see a driver who is not paying attention to the road, pay more attention to the road and safely maneuver away from the other driver.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC, represents seriously injured distracted driving accident victims in Aurora, IL.
Proving Distracted Driving Means Holding the Negligent Party Accountable
When it comes to proving that the other driver was distracted while driving, things can get complicated. While you may be able to request a driver’s phone records to see whether they were using their phone at the time of the accident, being distracted by a cellphone is just one way that drivers can cause car crashes.
Evidence Points to the At Fault Driver
What if the other driver was distracted by loud music or other passengers in the car? In this case, you may have to rely on eyewitnesses like other passengers in your car, other car drivers, or pedestrians. You could also find information in the police report of the accident or from any traffic cameras that recorded the accident.
Proving that a driver was distracted at the time of a crash can be tricky and time-consuming. The defendant and their lawyer will most likely fight tooth and nail to evade responsibility for the accident and your losses.
Why hire a distracted driving accident attorney?
Consulting with an Aurora distracted driving accident lawyer can help you hold the negligent party accountable. A car accident lawyer knows the laws and can fight for you. Having a dedicated car accident lawyer by your side in these complex cases can also help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
How a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Build Your Case
They can help build your case by:
- Investigating the accident to collect evidence of the other driver’s negligence.
- Speaking with witnesses to get their statements about what they saw when the accident happened.
- Obtaining the police report and any traffic camera footage.
- Analyzing your medical records to determine the full extent of your severe injuries.
- Calculating all of your past, present, and future accident-related expenses.
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Taking your case to trial if necessary.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC, has represented many car accident victims who were injured by the negligence of an inattentive driver. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Our personal injury law firm will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Take Legal Action Within the Illinois Statute of Limitations
It can be pivotal to act quickly after an accident, especially when you are considering legal action. Understandably, the time after an accident can be filled with other priorities, such as doctor appointments and medical treatments. However, consider contacting an Aurora distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as you can after an accident. This can not only help you determine your next best steps and potentially offer peace of mind, but timely action will also help to ensure that you comply with Illinois’ statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) if you do decide to go down the legal route.
Two Year Time Limit for Distracted Driving Crashes
The statute of limitations sets a two-year time limit on personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits, starting with the date of the auto accident or wrongful death.
While two years can seem like plenty of time, building a good case to prove a defendant’s negligence can take a surprising amount of time and effort. Our Aurora car accident attorneys can help you with all aspects of a personal injury and wrongful death case, including collecting evidence and consulting expert witnesses, but time is of the essence.
Also consider that the quicker you act after an accident, the sooner you could receive compensation. Getting help to pay for medical treatments and other bills related to the accident can help you get better and move on with your life.
Types of Recovery for Aurora Distracted Driving Injuries
The Kryder Law Group, LLC, represents car accident victims who were injured by the negligence of distracted drivers. If you or someone you love was hurt in an distracted driving accident caused by an inattentive driver, we can help you recover damages for your injuries, including:
Medical expenses – This can include hospitalization, surgery, ambulance fees, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and more.
Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages.
Pain and suffering – You may be able to recover damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your injuries.
Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities that you used to enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones, you may be able to recover damages for this loss.
Wrongful death – If you lost a loved one in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit can help you recover compensation for your loved one’s death, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the Kryder Law Group, LLC, today to schedule a free consultation with an Aurora car accident lawyer. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from an Aurora Attorney for Distracted Driving Accidents
If you were injured or a close relative was killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver, do not hesitate to get help from an experienced attorney. At Kryder Law Group, LLC, our distracted driving accident lawyers understand how devastating car accidents can be and we will fight for the compensation you need to recover. You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s carelessness.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We serve victims of car accidents in Aurora and the surrounding areas, including DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties.
What to Expect When You Call for a Free Case Evaluation with an Aurora Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
When you call the Kryder Law Group, LLC, to speak with an attorney about your car accident, we will ask you some questions about what happened and how your injuries have impacted your life. During your free legal consultation, we will then give you our honest opinion about whether or not we think you have a case and what an insurance claim may recover for you. If we do take your case, we will work on a contingency basis, which means you will not owe us any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today to get started.
(312) 223-1700