According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 311,679 motor vehicle crashes occurred on the roadways in 2017. Nearly 67,000 of these crashes caused injuries, while 998 resulted in fatalities. While accidents can and do happen, distracted driving is among the top reasons why they do. In fact, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving took the lives of 2,841 people in 2018 alone.
If you or a family member suffered injuries due to the actions of a distracted driver, an Arlington Heights distracted driving accident lawyer may be able to help you seek financial recovery for your damages and losses. Contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 today for a free case evaluation to learn more about protecting your rights after an accident.
Distracted Driving Dangers
Distracted driving has become one of the greatest dangers on our roads today, thanks to the cellphone. The number of drivers who continue to put others at risk by texting or checking emails while behind the wheel contributes to the growing number of accidents. But distracted driving comes in many forms. When a person’s attention is diverted from driving, it puts everyone else on the road in potential danger. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving could be:
- Eating or drinking
- Playing with GPS or the stereo
- Talking or tending to other passengers (also pets)
- Talking, texting, or checking emails on your cellphone
Texting has become a real threat on our highways and streets. The NHTSA notes that, “sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed.”
Laws Banning Texting and Driving
Most states now have laws against talking or texting on a cellphone while you are driving. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA), Illinois has banned the use of handheld cell phones and texting behind the wheel. There are penalties for breaking these laws. If you are caught texting while driving in Illinois, in addition to the moving violation, you also face a:
- $75 fine for the first offense
- $100 fine for the second offense
- $125 fine for the third offense
- $150 fine for all future offenses
If you believe a distracted driver caused your accident, an Arlington Heights distracted driving accident lawyer may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to speak to a member of our team about your case.
Injuries in a Distracted Driving Accident Case
The most important step to take after an accident that a distracted driver has caused is to seek medical treatment for any injuries you may have suffered. Even if you believe you just received bumps and bruises in the crash, some injuries take days or even weeks to present with symptoms. Some injuries you could receive include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs or concussion)
- Spinal cord injuries (could result in paralysis)
- Broken bones
- Neck or back sprains
- Contusions and/or lacerations
- Whiplash
- Ligament tears
It is critical to have a physician run tests to detect or diagnose any injuries connected to the crash. This way, you will receive needed treatment before any injuries worsen. Also, if you choose to file a claim against the insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver, your medical records will play a key role in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer serving Arlington Heights, call (800) 223-5115
Damages You Could Be Entitled to Receive
If your attorney can build a case proving the other driver was distracted, and that is what caused your accident and resulted in your injuries, you could be entitled to receive damages. There are two types of damages you could recover in a personal injury lawsuit. These are called economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages make up the monetary losses you endured due to the accident. They can include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket costs
Noneconomic damages are more challenging to place a monetary value on but can include:
- Mental anguish
- Pain
- Humiliation
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Loss of consortium (If your spouse or companion died as a result of the accident)
An Arlington Heights distracted driving accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case while you focus on your family’s recovery. Your attorney can help support your claim by investigating the details of the accident, gathering evidence such as the police report and medical records, negotiating with the insurance company, and taking your case to trial if necessary.
Arlington Heights Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Illinois Statute of Limitations
Most states impose time limits when it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is to help ensure evidence remains current in these cases. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is within two years of the date the accident occurred, per 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
The clock typically starts running at the time the injury happened. A lawyer familiar with the laws in Illinois can help ensure all documents are filed on time so the civil court will not throw out your chance to file a suit against the liable party.
Click to contact our Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyers today
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Do not delay when it comes to your chance to seek compensation for an accident that was not your fault. You should not have to suffer another day on your own. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 for a free consultation regarding your case. Our team can help you hold the distracted driver accountable for their actions.
Call or text (800) 223-5115 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
