According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving took the lives of over 2,800 people in 2018. While there are many different types of distractions that drivers can encounter behind the wheel, texting while driving is one of the most dangerous.
If you or someone you love is suffering and in pain because of an accident involving a driver who was texting while behind the wheel, you have the right to hold them responsible for their negligent behavior. We understand how overwhelming it can be to pursue damages after an accident, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries, but you are not alone.
A Chicago texting while driving accident lawyer can gather evidence to prove liability in your accident and pursue the compensation you may be eligible to receive. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has worked on many cases like these, and we are proud of our results. For a free case review by a team member, contact us today at (800) 794-0444.
Understanding the Dangers of Texting and Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous types of behaviors that drivers can engage in while behind the wheel. Other types of distractions (e.g., talking to a passenger or changing the radio) involve only one type of distraction, such as taking your eyes off the road or your focus off your driving. Texting and driving, as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, involves three types of distractions:
- Visual: Looking away from the road to read or answer a text, even for a split second, can result in a crash.
- Physical: The physical element of texting while driving means you may have one or no hands on the wheel.
- Cognitive: In addition to the physical and visual distractions, your mind is no longer engaged with the road, and the cognitive distraction of texting can lead to an accident.
Keep in mind how quickly cars move when driving. In the time that a driver looks down to read or answer a text message, the car may have moved hundreds of feet depending on its speed. Texting while driving is no joke, and it can result in injuries, expensive repairs, high insurance rates, and even death.
Injuries That Occur as a Result of Texting and Driving
There are a wide number of injuries that can occur because of a texting while driving accident. The type and severity of injuries often are determined by details such as the speed at which the car was traveling and the nature of the accident itself (e.g., a head-on or rear-end collision).
Some types of injuries that we see regularly when working on texting while driving cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are the result of a blow or jolt to the head. As the CDC explains, these injuries are a major cause of death or disability and can impair the victim’s personality and cognitive functioning.
- Spinal cord injuries: An injury to the spinal cord often results in a loss of mobility or a loss of sensation. Many victims require wheelchairs to manage their loss of mobility after an accident.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is typically the result of a rear-end collision. While these injuries are not typically serious, some individuals can experience complications.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding occurs when a damaged vessel bleeds inside the body. While these injuries can often be treated with medical attention, in serious cases, severe hemorrhaging can lead to seizures, organ failure, coma, and eventually, death.
If you are in pain and suffering from any injury that resulted from a driver who chose to text while operating a moving vehicle, you have the right to hold them responsible for your damages. A Chicago texting while driving accident lawyer can help you build a case to pursue damages you may be eligible to receive. Contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
For a free legal consultation with a Texting While Driving Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Illinois Laws and Your Claim
Every state has its own laws for how it allocates damages based on who is liable in an accident. Illinois follows a contributory fault system. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, someone can recover damages for an accident even if they are partially at fault. The statute means if you are no more than 50% responsible for an accident, you can recover compensation for your injuries.
Defense lawyers sometimes use these laws to reduce their client’s liability for an accident. A lawyer may claim that you were more responsible for an accident than you really were. They may go so far as to claim that you were more than 50% responsible in order to alleviate their client’s financial responsibility, even though they were texting and driving at the time of the accident. A lawyer who is familiar with these cases can help defend you against tactics like these.
If you want to make a personal injury claim after an accident, 735 ILCS 5/ requires that you act on this case within two years. If you are outside the statute of limitations, you may not be eligible for any compensation for your case. If you want to seek damages, remember that it may take a while to come to a settlement.
Chicago Texting While Driving Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
The Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is Here for You
A Chicago texting while driving accident lawyer can help you build a case by gathering evidence like video surveillance, police reports, eyewitness statements, and other documents to prove liability for the accident. They can calculate the value of your case, including the cost of your current and future medical bills, car repairs, and pain and suffering. They can also fight to get you fair compensation for your injuries.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works on a contingency basis only, which means we only are paid if we succeed with your case. Contact us today at (800) 794-0444. The sooner you act, the sooner we can get started.
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