Car accident: Distracted driving a real issue in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, distracted driving is a serious issue. It leads to accidents involving pedestrians and other vehicles and often has serious — if not fatal — outcomes. When a car accident occurs as a result of distracted driving, the victims or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation through legal means.

In the year 2014, just over 3,000 people across the United States were killed by distracted drivers. Another 431,000 people suffered injuries because of the same. Cellphone usage is believed to be the biggest culprit.

In Illinois, it is actually illegal to use a hand-held cellphone while operating a vehicle. However, this seems to be a law that many residents choose to ignore. It is pretty easy to spot someone who using a cellphone to talk or text, and it is something that most people witness every single day. It is also an issue that police struggle to enforce.

After a car accident occurs, law enforcement officials will require drivers to turn over their cellphones in order to see if they played a role in the incident. If distracted driving is suspected or confirmed, victims or their surviving family members may pursue compensation for their losses by filing legal claims in an Illinois civil court. Personal injury, wrongful death and any other applicable claims that are litigated successfully can result in the awarding of economic relief for any and all damages that are deemed recoverable under the laws of the state.

Source: theintelligencer.com, “Give the kids — and your phone — a break“, Feb. 10, 2017