Injured by a Distracted Driver? A Cook County Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Seek Compensation.
Distracted driving causes more car accidents than any other behavior. Research shows that distractions contribute to about 60 percent of traffic accidents. Distracted driving contributes to more collisions than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just looking away from the road for a few seconds can lead to a collision that changes lives forever. If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries in an accident, call 1-800-NOW-HURT to request a free case evaluation. During your free consultation, you will learn your legal options for pursuing compensation and be able to determine – based on our experience and past results – if we are the right firm for you.
Types of Distracted Driving
Cell phones get blamed for most distracted driving accidents. Illinois passed a law in 2014 that prevents drivers from using handheld devices on the road. The law has had limited success stopping drivers from talking and texting behind the wheel.
While cell phone use gets the most attention, it is just one type of distracted driving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies three basic types of distraction:
- Visual distractions that take the driver’s eyes off the road.
- Manual distractions that take the driver’s hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive distractions that take the driver’s mind off operating the vehicle.
Using a cell phone engages all of these distractions. Other distracting activities include:
- Eating
- Adjusting stereo settings
- Disciplining children
- Looking at GPS directions
- Reading maps
- Talking to passengers
Anything that takes the eyes, hands or mind away from the task at hand counts as a distraction.
Common Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents often result in similar injuries sustained in other types of collisions. Some common injuries include:
- Severe head trauma
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Spine damage
- Extensive bruising
- Fractured and broken bones
These injuries can require expensive medical treatments. They also can prevent people from going to work for extended periods of time, which often means losing wages. The worst crashes can cause lifelong disabilities or even death.
After an accident, victims may need to seek financial compensation to pay for these expenses and maintain quality of life.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Injury Cases
Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of an accident. Those who wait longer than two years likely will see the judge throw out their cases. Once the statute of limitations expires, there simply isn’t much that the court can do. An experienced lawyer can complete the appropriate paperwork and submit it to the court within the allotted time. The sooner victims seek legal counsel, the easier it is for lawyers to start cases without restrictions.
Naming Defendants in a Distracted Driving Case
Accident victims often name several defendants when filing personal injury cases against distracted drivers. The specific people and companies named in a suit, however, will depend on the accident’s circumstances. In many cases, victims pursue financial compensation from:
- The driver who caused the accident
- The driver’s insurance provider
- The victim’s insurance provider
The court may decide that one, some, or all of these defendants bear some liability.
Seeking Compensation After a Distracted Driving Accident
Winning a personal injury case requires careful planning and knowledge of Illinois’s legal system. Even seemingly obvious cases can become complex once a defendant’s lawyer tries to disprove liability. This makes it important for distracted driving accident victims to hire their own accident lawyers.
Contact Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-NOW-HURT for help with filing a personal injury claim and seeking financial compensation. Seeking compensation often makes it easier for victims to recover financially after an accident. Having a lawyer on your side may significantly improve the chances a fair settlement after an accident.
