If you were involved in an accident that may have been caused by a distracted driver, you could be eligible for financial compensation. Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents every year that can lead to serious injuries, property loss, and even death.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, you could have legal options available. Our auto collision attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC has experience with distracted driving accident cases. Call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Joliet distracted driving accident lawyer.
Distracted Driving Can Lead to Serious Accidents
Distracted driving encompasses a wide variety of behaviors that divert attention away from the road. These could include peering at your phone, texting, playing with the radio, or taking your eyes off the road. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road may prevent them from reacting in time to hazards like a stopped vehicle or an obstruction. Distracted driving is very dangerous and causes thousands of car accidents every year in the United States—potentially leading to property damage, car loss, severe injuries, and even death.
Statistics of Distracted Driving Accidents
The statistics surrounding distracted driving are sobering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2018 alone, over 2,800 Americans were killed due to accidents involving distracted driving. This included drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Distracted driving also injures a tremendous amount of people every day. According to the NHTSA, an estimated 400,000 people are injured in car accidents that involve distracted driving each year—that is more than 1,000 people every 24 hours. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirms that one of the leading causes of distracted driving is cell phone use. While there is currently no national ban on texting or using a cellphone while driving, state laws and fines are becoming more aggressive to try to lower these injuries.
Not only is distracted driving a threat to your health and safety, but it is also illegal. If you were the victim of an accident and now need a Joliet distracted driving accident lawyer, The Kryder Law Group, LLC is available to discuss your case. Call today to learn more about your legal options.
Safe Driving Guidelines
Every driver owes it to themselves, their passengers, and others on the road to drive safely. Understanding safe driving guidelines can help you avoid distracted driving and do your part to keep you and your loved ones safe from future accidents.
Whether you just earned your driver’s license or have years of experience on the road, revisiting some basic guidelines for safe driving is always a good idea:
- Do not drive in hazardous conditions if possible.
- Keep your eyes on the road.
- If you need to use your phone, safely pull over before doing so.
- Do not play with your radio or console while you are driving.
- Plan out your route before a trip, so you are less likely to need to use a map or mobile device for directions.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Be sure your vehicle is inspected on a regular basis by a mechanic.
- Obey the speed limit and other traffic laws on your route.
- Avoid eating or drinking while driving when possible.
- Do not follow other vehicles too closely on the road—keeping a safe distance allows for more time to react.
It is never too early—or too late—to become a better driver. Routinely going over this list and following other safe driving tips can help keep you out of harm’s way. But even if you take every possible precaution, accidents can still happen with distracted drivers on the road.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident in Joliet
If you find yourself in an accident, there are a few immediate steps you can take. You first need to protect yourself by pulling into a safe area, if possible, but you should not leave the scene of an accident. Do not exit your vehicle if it puts you in danger of oncoming traffic. Any emergency personnel should be called immediately if there are serious or life-threatening injuries.
Once an accident scene is safe and secure and emergency medical needs are addressed, the police will be able to determine who was at fault, assess damages, and give direction on the next steps. You will likely have to deal with insurance companies for all parties of an accident to mitigate who is responsible for the accident.
If you were the victim of an accident that involved a distracted driver, remember that you may be able to take legal action with the help of a Joliet distracted driving accident lawyer. In some cases, there is compensation available for distracted driving accident victims.
Compensation for Accident Victims
Victims of accidents involving distracted drivers could receive reimbursement for medical expenses, including past and future medical bills. Sometimes accident victims are also awarded compensation for pain and suffering associated with the accident. In serious accidents, a victim might lose their vehicle or personal property and/or their ability to earn wages at work. All of these damages are possible factors that could be part of an accident settlement.
Every accident involving distracted drivers is different. A Joliet distracted driving lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation based on your claim.
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Today for a Joliet Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
If you are considering taking legal action and want to learn more about potentially recoverable compensation, there is a Joliet distracted driving accident lawyer available to help answer your questions. While no two cases are exactly alike, our team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help walk you through the complex legal process and make a decision that is right for you and your family. Being the victim of a distracted driving accident can be very stressful—pursuing justice can help you focus on your recovery. Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today to get started.
(312) 223-1700