Distracted drivers can be extremely dangerous. Motorists who divert their attention from the road are especially likely to cause a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian. Over the last decade, one of the primary sources of distraction for drivers is texting.
Texting while driving car accidents in Elgin typically leave injured parties with a mountain of medical bills, severe pain, and numerous other hardships. Talk to a car crash attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd about recovering monetary compensation.
Why Texting and Driving is Dangerous
Any form of distracted driving – including using a mobile device – is dangerous. When motorists glance at their phones to answer a text message, they take their eyes off the road. Even looking away from the road for a matter of seconds could result in an accident, especially for drivers traveling at high speeds. A motor vehicle can travel several hundred feet per second, making it difficult for drivers whose attention is focused on their phones to respond to changing road conditions.
The well-versed attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd could explain Elgin’s laws against texting while driving. Let an experienced lawyer advocate for you in court if you were injured by a driver who was texting at the time of your auto accident.
Texting and Driving Laws in Elgin
According to Illinois state law, there are strict limitations on the use of mobile phones while driving. In 2019, most uses of a cell phone, including texting, were outlawed, and a violation of this law could result in a citation. There are a handful of exceptions when a motorist is allowed to text in their vehicle, including when:
- Parked on the shoulder of the road
- In neutral or parked due to normal traffic being obstructed
- Reporting an emergency
A diligent lawyer could explain the laws involving texting and driving and your rights following a crash.
Filing a Lawsuit after an Accident Caused by Texting while Driving
When texting while driving leads to an accident, a successful personal injury lawsuit could hold the negligent driver financially liable for any damage they cause as a result. A person injured by a texting driver may be able to recover different forms of monetary compensation, such as the cost of medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
A prospective plaintiff has two years from the date of a texting while driving collision to file a lawsuit. The failure to comply with this deadline, known as the statute of limitations, could cause the court to dismiss the case entirely. An experienced lawyer in Elgin could work with you to present the best evidence for your texting and driving car crash case within the correct timeframe.
Talk to an Elgin Attorney about a Texting while Driving Car Accident
Drivers who are texting while driving represent a serious hazard for everyone else on the road. Motorists who take their eyes off the road long enough to read a text message could cause a devastating crash.
If you sustained injuries during a texting while driving car accident in Elgin, you could be entitled to compensation from liable parties. Discuss your options with a seasoned attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd right away.