Cell phone abuse on the roadway is a national hazard. More than a quarter of all traffic accidents annually (about 1.6 million) involve drivers who are careless because they are too busy using their cell phones for talking or texting to keep their eyes on the road. In addition, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that at any given daylight moment, 660,000 drivers throughout the country are using their cell phones (or another electronic device) while operating a motor vehicle. If you have been injured by a driver who was talking or texting on a mobile device, you should seek the guidance of an experienced Chicago cell phone accident lawyer to assist you with your claim.
Victims of Cell Phone Accidents
When motorists drive unsafely and recklessly because they have their eyes on their cell phone rather than the road, they put themselves, their passengers and all others on or near the road at serious risk. Clearly, drivers that are fielding a cell phone call or texting back and forth with one (or more) friends will have a hard time fully concentrating on the road. This can be especially hazardous for pedestrians and bicyclists that may not be immediately viewable in the driver’s peripheral vision. When a driver is texting and trying to watch the road at the same time, it is nearly impossible to drive safely and avoid all potential dangers.
Cell Phone Liability Claims
Many cities and states are cracking down on cell phone use on the roadways. Many cities and states are cracking down on cell phone use on the roadways. In Illinois, it is now illegal to use any hand-held electronic device while driving.
Every auto accident case should be carefully explored to determine if cell phone use was involved. Even when drivers use a hands-free blue tooth with both hands on the wheel, the very act of talking or texting on a cell phone causes inattention to the road and is grounds for driver negligence. Drivers that use cell phones are four times more likely to get into auto accidents that result in injuries than those who do not.
A regular issue in auto accident lawsuits is whether the at-fault driver was on a cell phone or texting right before the accident. Since 80 percent of all car accidents are due to driver inattention, ascertaining any cell phone use prior to the accident will help establish driver negligence and liability for injuries and property damage caused. Some cases even have the potential for punitive damages, which makes insurance companies more motivated to settle.
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we have over two decades of experience representing victims of cell phone auto accidents in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout the U.S. With the rise of texting while driving in recent years, the roads are becoming far less safe and a growing number of negligent drivers are causing accidents because they cannot stay off their cell phones. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a mobile phone or other hand-held device, contact an experienced Chicago cell phone accident attorney at HM&M today for a free consultation.
For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you.
